Personal information | ||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Born | 6 April 2005 Sydney, New South Wales, Australia | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Height | 185 cm (6 ft 1 in) | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Weight | 106 kg (16 st 10 lb) | |||||||||||||||||||||
Playing information | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Position | Second-row | |||||||||||||||||||||
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Source: [1] As of 31 August 2025 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Jermaine McEwen (born 6 April 2005) is an Australian professional rugby league footballer who currently plays as a second-row forward for the Newcastle Knights in the National Rugby League (NRL). Known for his powerful runs and defensive capabilities, McEwen has quickly established himself as one of the Knights' emerging stars.
Born in Sydney, New South Wales, McEwen grew up with a strong sporting background. He played his junior rugby league for the Bloomfield Tigers before being signed by the Newcastle Knights. McEwen attended Tregear Public School during his early education in Sydney, where his talent for rugby league first began to shine.
McEwen is also the younger brother of Newcastle Knights NRLW player Evah McEwen, who has represented New South Wales at the women's level. The McEwen family is well known for their contributions to the sport, with both siblings excelling at the highest levels. [2]
Jermaine McEwen’s development as a rugby league player began at an early age. He quickly progressed through the junior ranks, showing impressive skill and physicality. In 2023, McEwen was awarded the prestigious SG Ball Cup Player of the Year award, which is given to the top under-19s player in the competition. His performances with the Knights' junior teams demonstrated his readiness for higher levels of rugby league. [3]
McEwen's performances did not go unnoticed, and in June 2024, he was selected to represent New South Wales in the Under-19s State of Origin match against Queensland. This was a significant milestone in McEwen’s career, as he had the opportunity to showcase his talents on a national stage at the prestigious Leichhardt Oval. His selection highlighted his rapid development and growing reputation in the rugby league community. [4]
McEwen made his highly anticipated NRL debut for the Newcastle Knights in Round 3 of the 2025 season, when the Knights faced the Gold Coast Titans at Cbus Super Stadium. His debut was an important moment in his career, as he made an immediate impact on the field, displaying his strength, agility, and rugby league intelligence. This debut was the beginning of what is expected to be a promising NRL career. [5]
Standing at 185 cm and weighing 106 kg, McEwen is known for his impressive physical attributes, which allow him to excel in both attack and defence. As a second-row forward, he is renowned for his aggressive running game, consistently gaining valuable metres for his team. His defensive work is also highly regarded, making him a key contributor to the Knights’ forward pack. In the 2025 season, McEwen made 11 appearances, scored one try, and averaged 64 running metres per game. He also made 251 tackles at an efficiency rate of 89.96%. His versatility and hard-hitting style have made him one of the most promising young forwards in the NRL. [6]
McEwen hails from a strong sporting family of Samoan and Aboriginal heritage. His parents have been a source of support throughout his career, and his sibling, Evah McEwen, has been a source of inspiration for Jermaine, both on and off the field. The McEwen family’s commitment to rugby league has helped Jermaine and Evah become standout players in the NRL and NRLW respectively.