I am quietly confident 2013 will see the Newcastle Knights make the eight and go further than week one of the finals for the first time in seven years.
Fullback Darius Boyd took an age to settle in last year but from about round 18 onwards was back to his best. A full pre-season under his belt working with Australian schoolboys teammate Jarrod Mullen will only benefit the side.
Akuila Uate needs to find the confidence that made him the most dynamic winger in the world. His defensive lapses aren’t a big concern, that will improve with confidence and coach Wayne Bennett is the best in the business at getting the best from his players.
Good things will happen when Dane Gagai gets the ball in his hands. You see by the way he plays he is confident he can match it with the best centres in the game. Watch him wide on the right hand edge – Mullen’s left-to-right passes will create some space.
The massive inclusion back in the side this season is captain Kurt Gidley. He has been a victim of his own versatility throughout his career and he will play in the position he was thrown into during Andrew Johns’ wretched injury run.
Gildey at halfback is the best balance for the side. While at fullback he played a lot of first receiver, so not much will change in that regard. It’s a massive plus to have him back in the side.
If Jarrod Mullen can have a good season, Newcastle will flourish. Mullen in past seasons has started well – to the point where he has been mentioned as a State Of Origin contender – only to fall away in the middle rounds before finishing strongly.
Turning his mid-season form around is key.
The forward pack is a strong one for the first time in about ten years.
Not since the days of Ben Kennedy, Matt Parsons, Bill Peden and a young Josh Perry has a Knights forward pack looked so well balanced.
Willie Mason. Say what you want about him – I was one who erred on the side of caution when he signed – but he has been a fantastic investment. He is the leader of this pack, getting great metres every week.
Kade Snowden had neck troubles last season but is fit and firing from all reports. When in form, he is a NSW Origin player.
Beau Scott is rated highly by those who play with him. He creates confidence in those around him with his steely resolve. He isn’t a brilliant player but just the player every side needs – the resident rough head.
Chris Houston is ever-reliable and has become a fan favourite in the Hunter. His versatility is a big plus.
David Fa’alogo is another quality buy. He may be past his best but is a great mentor for the likes of Alex McKinnon and Robbie Rochow. This is invaluable and Bennett sees this better than most.
Danny Buderus out for the first couple of weeks is a loss but the signing of Travis Waddell is a timely one. This guy has a future at the club.
Before Bennett moved to Newcastle a lot of the players recruited were guys who were fringe players at their old clubs.
In the post-Johns era at Newcastle, Houston, Matt Hilder, James McManus were the types of players recruited. Not brilliant but got the job done.
Neville Costigan was recruited from a premiership winning team and it was seen as a massive signing for the club.
To be fair to Costigan (who is a Queensland origin player) there have been bigger names attracted to the club in the last two off-seasons.
It highlights how far the club has come since Tinkler was able to get Bennett to Newcastle.
This makes 2013 imperative for Newcastle. They can solidify a position as a rugby league powerhouse in years to come.
However a top six finish is the only way this is an option.
Reckon you can pick the winning team? Build your own dream team with Draftstars daily fantasy and compete on any match. For great odds on the NRL head on over to PlayUp. Imagine what you could be buying instead. Set a deposit limit.
Who are the hardest working big men in the NRL?
1. Manu is not No.1 at Roosters Everyone knows Joey Manu is a really good fullback. He’s probably in the top five in the…
Kalyn Ponga showed he was tough but the Knights didn’t display too much intelligence in allowing him to remain on the field when he…
Newcastle have taken the two points over St George Illawarra at McDonald Jones Stadium, edging the Dragons 30-10 on a night when the weather…
Playing talent is always important, yet creating a winning culture even more so.
The life of an NRL coach is portrayed as a cut-throat occupation where they could get the punt at any given moment. In reality,…
