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?
a
Roar Rookie
Knights will be in the top 4
PGNEWC
Roar Rookie
Agreed about the defence -- Brownie doesnt seem to have a clue about how to plan defensive schemes properly --a few quick play the balls seems to leave the knights all at sea -- this has been a theme since he got to Newie and has made scores a lot worse than they should have been
Chilli
Roar Rookie
Looking forward to the knights this year too mate. Pearce and Ponga is worth the cover charge alone. Ramien is a young gun and that pack of yours has some serious Mongrel up front and some good finishers and line runners following them up. Top 8 definitely this year on the back of your pack. If they pick up a few lengths from last year they could be the more dynamic back row in the Comp running off the most dynamic 5/8 in the Comp. not too bad eh
Knight Vision
Guest
Not basing anything from the trial, but if injuries are kind to the Knights then without question they will be pushing for the 8. If the team stays on the park and they click then anything is possible regards going deep into the finals. Let's hope the team gets their combinations going as quickly as possible, they have a roster that could cause plenty of damage.
Dutski
Roar Guru
Love your optimism Adrian! There’s a few questions to answer about the Knights before booking a spot in the eight. The spine does look good, but I agree that Levi needs to play in the 9. I can’t imagine Mann at hooker. He’s tenacious but he would need to bulk up a bit. At the moment he’s be a massive target in defence. I love watching Connor Watson. He’s fearless. He may not be as naturally silky as Ponga, but he runs great lines. All of the spine are prepared to take a tough run. The outside backs are a bit of a worry. If Edrick Lee is your first pick winger then you have depth issues. Yes he’s experienced, big and fast but his hands can really let him down- as can his defensive reads. There’s a lot to like in the forwards. I wonder when the Safiti brothers will no longer be considered young forwards in need of mentoring. They’ve played 50-60 games each. Time to step up. The Knights will be exciting, no doubt. This isn’t a completions-focussed Storm clone. I’m thinking just missing the 8, but happy to be wrong.
Paul
Roar Guru
"After years of hard work the Knights have found their formula and look ready to own the competition". Really? On the basis of one trial? The players they've bought should mean the Knights make the finals, but last year, attack wasn't as much of an issue as their porous defence. Has Browny fixed that, Adrian? If not, I reckon you'll be looking for a new coach before the season's half done.
Forty Twenty
Roar Rookie
The Knights were probably a bit deceptive last season. Somehow they finished with the worst points difference in the game which is remarkable considering the seasons teams like the Eels and Manly had. The Knights points difference was 193 and Manly's 122. It makes you wonder how much the players have evolved under Browny. That's after they sign Ponga , Pearce and co. They have a strong roster so now it's time for the coach to show his worth. I noticed that the head of the Knights who is leading the way in crackling down on player's toeing the line off the field has spoken of Moga's alleged assault on a taxi driver. It sounds bad but he is showing that sanity needs to prevail and he is saying it is unlikely that Moga will be sacked because the assault is on the minor end of the scale. Each case needs to be viewed on it's merits not based on headlines as this shows.
jimmmy
Roar Rookie
Really looking forward to watching the Knights this year. Klemmer is a big in. He is a dominant forward. Fitzgibbon is great. He just knows how to run that perfect outside in line. Mind you running off Ponga makes it a bit easier . I think the knights are up there with four or five other teams challenging for spots 7 and 8 . I have a soft spot for the Knights . The crowds in the Hunter deserve to have a strong competitive team to follow and I reckon this is it.
Adam Bagnall
Roar Guru
I was also at the game and if you're judging the Knights' season prospects on that performance they are a long way off the 8. Ponga and Pearce were ok, not spectacular. In the first half, the Dragons team was missing Frizell, Graham and De Belin so not really their first grade team. What about Ravalawi beating half a dozen tacklers for his second try? Not really top 8 defence. And if Ponga or Pearce go down then yup are stuck with Mason Lino. He was terrible. Sorry but Knights won't be making the top 8 just yet. They may improve, but top 8 is beyond them
Geoff from Bruce Stadium
Roar Rookie
Probably not as good as how you think they will go Adrian! Having said that - the Knights have recruited really well - in fact I'm shocked at how many recruits they have managed to fit under the salary cap. The Knights should be pushing for spots 6,7 and 8 along with about 8 other teams. Note the emphasis is on should. Teams don't always live up to the hype and expectation and there is a lot of expectation on the Knights this season.