ACHIEVING his boyhood dream of replicating the highs of Jonny Wilkinson in Newcastle’s No.10 shirt has led to Brett Connon extending his stay at the Premiership’s struggling side.
Following in the footsteps of Wilkinson, Rob Andrew and Toby Flood, the 27-year-old believes no shirt comes with more pressure at Kingston Park, but remains undaunted by the shadow set from such illustrious former Falcons.
The Cumbrian has signed a two-year deal to stay until 2026, and while it was a “heart before head” decision, he believes the new regime under Steve Diamond will bear fruit.
On living his boyhood dream, Connon told TRP: “Despite the struggles this season, being the fly-half at Newcastle is really special. Whenever someone thinks of Newcastle Falcons, the first name that comes out is Jonny Wilkinson, and so the 10 shirt is a big one to wear.
“It’s the one thing that Newcastle has always thrived on with the likes of Wilkinson, Rob Andrew, Toby Flood. I remember watching Jonny as a kid, and following in his footsteps and that line of players has always been a driving force for me. You’ve got to play with your chest out when you’re playing as the Falcons’ No. 10, and there’s no hiding place.
“From the outside some may see it as a boring position to play as some may not enjoy the way we play, or the weather dictates that we kick a bit more. But from the inside it is a real privilege to play in the Falcons’ No.10 jersey, and while I don’t think I can put it in a better place than when Wilkinson was in his prime, my ambition is to hold it in a good place while Ihave this privilege.”
With Falcons suffering their worst ever season in the top flight, the Ireland U20 international feels that despite the lows it’s “been a character-building year” that they can come back stronger from.
It’s also been a year of growth off-field for Connon, with fiancée Steph
