- Established star has spoken out in recent interview
Newcastle Knights hooker Phoenix Crossland has opened up about his new relationship, revealing he was unaware his girlfriend’s father is club legend Billy Peden.
Crossland had been dating Mia Peden, the daughter of the highly respected two-time premiership winner, without knowing anything about why he’s one of the Knights’ favourite sons.
‘One day Mia said, “My dad played for the Knights.” So I went and googled him and saw that he’d actually won two competitions,’ Crossland told News Corp.
‘I’m not lying – I didn’t know who he was when I first met Mia in high school.
‘I wasn’t a Knights fan growing up; I actually supported the Dragons and loved Dean Young.’
The Newcastle star has now found a home at hooker after being used as a utility for several years.
Phoenix Crossland (pictured) has opened up about how his relationship with his girlfriend’s father Billy Peden has developed
Mia Peden (pictured) is the daughter of the Newcastle great, who became one of the Knights’ favourite sons after winning two premierships
Billy Peden is pictured celebrating the club’s underdog 2001 grand final win
But after learning about Billy Peden, he’s been trying to learn from the local legend.
‘He was a great leader when he was playing,’ Crossland said.
‘I’m very lucky to have him around. He never tries to get involved or bombard me with advice; he understands there are opinions everywhere.
‘But he is definitely someone I lean on when I need to.
‘He’s someone I try to make proud.’
The comments come as Crossland has enjoyed a successful start to the 2026 NRL season with his club.
Newcastle currently sits third on the ladder, having won four of its five games.
