I was at the trial match in which Knights fell to Dragons 18-10, surrendering at 10-6 halftime lead, but in the first half the first-grade Newcastle side beat the first-grade Dragons unit. So let’s observe what us Knights fans should expect in 2019.
1. Kalyn Ponga, Mitchell Pearce and Connor Watson will be lethal
The way these three were on the field together was extraordinary. They combined so well and looked organised. Both tries had both halves involved, with the second one more exciting with Pearce running onto the left side to add an extra man to put Edrick Lee over. Connor Watson was perhaps our best on the field at fullback.
2. David Klemmer is the package
At every hit-up he had looked like he was ready to charge. His first outing for the Knights saw him with recharged energy. As time goes on he’ll be a forward looking ready to kill. He brought out the best in James Gavet, the Samoan terminator – I’ve even called him that myself and he found it amusing – and will bring the best in other Knights prop forwards, like the Saifiti twins and Josh King, who was one of Newcastle’s best in the second half.
3. Danny Levi had cemented his spot
Danny Levi is one of the few players who endured the three spoons on the trot. He was ready to combine with the halves and give the push to forwards when needed. He’s always been a solid defender but just keeps getting better and better. Kurt Mann, on the other hand, has got a lot to work on if he wants to own the No. 9 spot.
4. Watch out for Lachlan Fitzgibbon
Fitzy was one of the best forwards in the first half. He scored a try, didn’t miss a tackle and has improved size and speed. Expect this man to scored 12-plus tries. As for Steve Menzies, your try-scoring record for second rowers (116) looks like it will have some competition. Of his 180 tries, Steve Menzies scored 116 as a second rower.
5. Newcastle Knights will make the top eight
After years of hard work the Knights have found their formula and look ready to own the competition. Some people may say KP will struggle at five-eighth, but his debut for Queensland at lock proved he could be lethal up front and he almost stole the game for them. Give the man some time. Mitchell Pearce looks more comfortable with Ponga as his halves partner as they combined so well. Our forwards looked intense and ready to take action.
How do you think the Knights will go?
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