Newcastle Knights star James Schiller has revealed the shocking online abuse he was subjected to on Thursday with his NRL side staring down the barrel of a big defeat, only to flip the script completely.
Schiller, just 23 years old with only 27 first-grade appearances to his name, has exposed a string of vile messages he received following his team’s dramatic comeback win over Manly.
The abuse came despite Newcastle pulling off their biggest turnaround in 18 years, recovering from a 16-0 halftime deficit to claim a 26-22 golden point victory in front of their home fans.
Schiller, who played out of position at left centre, was targeted both on the field and online after a tough first half defending against the likes of Daly Cherry-Evans, Reuben Garrick and Haumole Olakau’atu.
Forced into unfamiliar territory, Schiller was heavily tested on his edge and finished the half with five errors, two penalties conceded and four missed tackles – leading some fans to harshly single him out for criticism.
On social media, several accounts piled on, labelling him ‘one of the worst NRL players I’ve ever seen,’ and claiming he ‘wouldn’t stand out for Taree Turtles reserve grade.’
Newcastle Knights star James Schiller shared disturbing messages sent to him by a social media user
Abuse aimed at young NRL players continues to spark debate around online behaviour and athlete mental health support
Former Queensland State of Origin star Dane Gagai (pictured left) was also roped into the abusive messages
But one message crossed well beyond the line of fair criticism, and Schiller decided to share it publicly.
‘Count your days c*** I will end your f***ing life,’ the message read, sent to his Instagram inbox early in the second half.
Even after the Knights sealed victory, the same account continued to abuse him and add some shocking homophobic comments involving former Origin star Dane Gagai as well.
‘Doesn’t make up for it even though you won. 5 errors, 2 penalties, 1 six again and partridge in a pear tree I hope Dane [Gagai] jams his c*** down your throat and you choke and die.’
Schiller posted screenshots of the messages to his Instagram story, drawing attention to the darker side of fan behaviour at a time when mental health support for young men and athletes is being heavily promoted across the country.
The reaction from the broader rugby league community was swift and condemning, with many calling out the cruelty of the attack and its potential toll on a young player’s wellbeing.
‘You have to wonder how sad a life someone must have to react like this,’ one fan posted in response.
‘I don’t condone this disgraceful post – this person should be banned and it shouldn’t have even been posted,’ another wrote.
Schiller scored in the second half despite a rough start, helping inspire the Knights’ 26-22 win
Messages shared by Schiller (pictured right) drew strong condemnation from fans, with some calling for police involvement
‘Pathetic individual, love him to say it to his face,’ one comment read, while another called for the NRL or police to intervene.
Despite the early pressure and personal mistakes, Schiller responded in remarkable fashion during the second half, scoring a vital try and producing four line breaks to help his team overturn the deficit.
One fan summed up the dramatic turnaround, writing: ‘James Schiller was preparing to paint lines on the street at half time. Then he came out like a fkn immortal in the second half.’
‘James Schiller is good, actually,’ another fan posted, acknowledging the winger’s contribution to the remarkable win.
The emotional rollercoaster was amplified by the hostile reaction from sections of the Newcastle crowd, who booed the team off the field at halftime.
Newcastle coach Adam O’Brien was clearly frustrated by the jeering and didn’t hold back in his post-match press conference.
‘It’s disappointing, it’s really disappointing,’ O’Brien said.
‘I know the scoreline is not what they want, but to boo the effort that went into that first half from a really young team, the people that booed don’t know anything about rugby league.’
Newcastle fans turned on the team at halftime before witnessing one of the most dramatic comebacks in years
‘They’re probably the ones that cheered at the end too and that really disappoints me because a lot of the first half we defended our hearts out.’
‘I know people are disappointed with us, but they’re trying their backsides off,’ he added.
However, club legend Matty Johns took a different view and defended the right of fans to express their frustration.
‘Jeez that’s a bit rough,’ Johns said.
‘Those Newcastle people, from days when I played right through and we used to get booed off sometimes – and you cop it because those fans turn up even when it’s pissing rain, hail, or you’re sitting bottom of the ladder, they always turn up.
‘I think if they’ve paid their money and they’ve supported that side for so long, then I think they’re entitled to air their grievances.’
Newcastle’s dramatic win came despite the fact that Thursday night marked the seventh time in 14 games this season where they went into halftime without scoring a point – a worrying trend this season.
NRL Immortal Andrew Johns, calling the game for the Nine Network, didn’t sugar-coat his assessment, describing the first-half effort as ‘hard to watch’ amid a string of errors and missed opportunities.
But by fulltime, those errors had been replaced by elation as the Knights, led in part by a resurgent Schiller, pulled off one of the most memorable wins in recent club history.
