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.
Kazzie
Guest
Interesting year ahead for the knights. If they continue to improve with each game they will likely finish in the top eight. I for one am glad when some people choose to write of jarrod Mullen. He is better than some people think he is and is starting to come into his own. He does put more than 2 good games together in a row - it's just that people still think he has to be andrew johns when he was never going to be. He is better at 5/8 than halfback and has, until this year played behind a weak forward pack. He has also never had a consitent halves partner, alot of chopping and changing which makes it difficult for any half or five eight to perform at their best in the current game. Last year was a good year for him in terms of consistency and confidence; it was also the first year where he wasn't missing a game due to injury. He is only 25 and has years lewft in the game, I suspect, that as long as he stays relatiuvely free of serius injury that he will reach his potential.
Pot Stirrer
Guest
They do look good but Gidley prefers FB and Mullen is not that good. He can only ever put 2 good games together in a row and thier hooker is not the player he was. They should make the 8 but not the top 4. My guess is Storm Bunnies Cowboys Manly
Knight Vision
Guest
I see the Knights in the top 4 this year. One of the most exciting backlines in the comp. The next few years look very bright indeed.
Ronald M
Guest
I agree with this article. I see no reason why the knights cannot reach the top 4 this season. I think that the 2013 final table top eight will look something like this 1 Bunnies 2 Storm 3 Knights 4 Roosters 5 Doggies 6 Warriors 7 Dragons 8 Manly
Terry Kidd
Guest
I would agree about the Knights. They have a good strong pack that will work hard all day. Plus, they have an exciting backline with, in my opinion, the most exciting young centre in the game. They now have playmakers both sides of the ruck, a brilliant attacking centre, a brilliant attacking fullback chiming in and good finishers on both flanks. I am a Dragons supporter but whats not to like about the Knights in 2013? They are worth an investment of a bit of the hard earned on a top four finish.
Harry Ramage
Roar Rookie
The NRL is a competition of swings a roundabouts. Its rare for sides to perform strongly year after year. Even Brisbane who are strong every year have their ups and downs. Storm lost 5 straight and looked a shell of their normal selves. Penrith finished second in 2010 and haven't troubled anyone since. Dogs turned around due to Hasler's arrival, St George cant win games anymore, Cronulla had a good season last year. It changes all the time. It wasn't that long ago Souths were a bottom 8 side.
Harry Ramage
Roar Rookie
Not sure who I glossed over J.Smith but him bringing success is a big factor. Enjoying the feedback I am getting, its great
Dean - Surry Hills
Guest
No mention of Jeremy Smith ? Success seems to follow him with every move he makes. I have the Knights finishing in my top 4, with Bennett taking them all the way to the big one.
Mantis
Roar Guru
I like your optimism, and the Bennet factor is big, but the problem I have is that there are just too many teams that have better squads and have been playing better footy over the last year or two.