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Newcastle Knights season preview: In the last two years the Knights have faced criminal allegations, adapted to a new head coach, been savaged by injury and stood down players, but still managed to maintain a – relatively – respectable win-loss record.
No one would begrudge them a wooden spoon year, but for a team that endured some humiliating losses, the Newcastle Knights have been resilient.
And for season 2011, the Knights have lost battleaxes Steve Simpson, Scott Dureau and Ben Cross, but will be strengthened with big second-rower Chris Houston returning to the fold from suspension and Neville Costigan joining the team from the victorious St George Illawarra Dragons.
Costigan will add some bite to the Knights’ forwards, especially in defence, and Kyle O’Donnell – brother to Luke – has serious potential.
Around the edges James McManus makes his return from a season-ending injury, and there’s no reason Akuila Uate won’t replicate last year’s try-scoring success again this season.
Uate’s speed and power and McManus’s timing to slip over the tryline give the Knights a reliable try-scoring option on both ends of the line, and former Warrior Siuatonga Likiliki is another big man with an explosive running style.
Players like Korbin Sims and gun NYC halfback Beau Henry could use some game time in the interests of developing future forwards and a long-term half to complement Jarrod Mullen.
Club tensions and board conflicts aren’t a bonus for the team’s chances, and the lack of a key halves pairing is also a weight on Newcastle’s prospects.
Team: Newcastle Knights
Homeground: AusGrid Stadium (26,164)
Coach: Rick Stone
Season 2010: 11th (P24, W10, L14, -70 pts)
2011 squad: Cameron Ciraldo, Neville Costigan, Isaac de Gois, Joel Edwards, Lisiate Richie Fa’aoso, Kurt Gidley, Beau Henry, Matt Hilder, Christ Houston, Marin Karawana, Antonio Kaufusi, Siuatonga Likiliki, Keith Lulia, Adan MacDougall, Peter Mata’utia, Shannon McDonnell, James McManus, Constantine Mika, Jarrod Mullen, Kevin Naiqama, Wes Naiqama, Kyle O’Donnell, Cory Paterson, Ben Rogers, Tafeaga Junior Sa’u, Steve Southern, Zeb Taia, Mark Taufua, Zane Tetevano, Dan Tolar, Evarn Tuimavave, Akuila Uate
Ins: Kyle O’Donnell, Chris Houston, Beau Henry, Korbin Sims, Neville Costigan, Siuatonga Likiliki, Steve Southern, Maipele Morseau
Outs: Cooper Vuna, Scott Dureau, Ben Cross, Steve Simpson
X-Factor: They don’t call him the Thriller for nothing. Akuila Uate’s acceleration is as impressive as its source is obvious (hint: we’re talking about his butt). Uate’s big, fast, mobile and severely underrated.
Main man: Determined, supremely fit, tireless, and dogged, Kurt Gidley is a favourite scapegoat for New South Wales fans but he’s vital for Newcastle. As fullback, the success of his combination with Jarrod Mullen is a key factor in the Knights’ success or failure.
Predicted 2011 finish: Ninth
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