The Newcastle Knights have suffered their second loss of the season since their Round 1 triumph.
Sadly, it just didn’t click as they fell to a gallant Canberra Raiders side 17-10, taking them to one win and two losses so far this season, the opposite of last year’s 2-1 records.
However, I have a list of positive things to take note of.
1. Better defence
Yes, you read it correctly. Despite more losses then wins, we’re defending far better. After three rounds we have conceded 41 compared to last year’s 84. We have scored less, sadly, but as time goes on the Knights, whether the players or combinations, will click and will execute better.
2. Don’t take them lightly
Remember that line in Rocky III when Rocky Balboa was getting his hammered by Mr T? “He’s getting killed!”. “Nah, he’s getting mad!”. He got mad and won the fight. This game is the one that will light a fire under the Knights. They blew so many chances, but this is the wake-up call, and playing the Dragons next Sunday night in front of their army will see a different team.
3. Danny Levi is an 80-minute hooker
Levi offered so much in attack when he was on. The Kiwi representative showed just why he owns the No. 9 shirt week in and week out. He hasn’t just overcome the pressure of those like Kurt Mann, Jamie Buhrer, Zac Woolford, Mason Lino and Slade Griffin coming for it; he blew it out of the water. He’s not just going to be the Kiwi No. 9 this year; give about seven years and he’ll be their skipper.
4. Kalyn Ponga in the halves may be on borrowed time
In the final 20 Ponga and Kurt Mann swapped. He offered a lot as he was trying to help spark a comeback for the Knights, but it was too little too late. Providing the health of Connor Watson, next week we could see him have one more shot in the halves, but if Watson is ruled out, he’ll be fullback with Mason Lino in the No. 6 jersey. If Ponga is five-eighth next week, it’ll be do or die for him to own that jersey for now.
5. David Klemmer is just getting ready
Even in a losing side Klemmer showed just why he’s a feared and ruthless forward consistently earning New South Wales and Australia jerseys each year. He sets the platform for the Knights to gain metres and puts their playmakers in position to strike. I’m calling for him to make 250 metres next week against the Dragons.
Taree Raider
Guest
Don't forget that the Raiders, Wighton, Seizer & Williams are the worst halves in the NRL. Imagine if the Raiders had even middle of the road halves what could be achieved. The Knights are not going very well, disappointing as they are one of my next favourite teams..
Larry1950
Guest
Geez, talk about a one-eyed optimist! If Levi is kiwi captain in the future, they'll be playing in the tier 2 competition. For all the hype, they fell in over a rusty sharks outfit and have flopped twice since.
Paul
Roar Guru
sorry Randy, you're right, I got my numbers mixed up when talking about sides having off field dramas and bottom 8 teams.
RandyM
Guest
Panthers weren't a bottom 8 side last year.
Bazza
Roar Rookie
Paul, absolutely spot on! You've covered it from every angle and I couldn't agree with you more, as I think many others will. Great analysis.
RandyM
Guest
Their attack has been very poor in the opening 3 rounds. Maybe they are believing their own hype a bit? Ponga has to be moved back to fullback. The days of 5/8th being where you put your most dangerous attacker are over, the fullback is now the more important position in Rugby League. It's much harder for the defence to anticipate what the fullback is going to do, rather than 5/8. Ponga is struggling to get involved and when he does get the ball he has no space.
Paul
Roar Guru
hi Adrian, Your article reads like a report card Nathan Brown will read to the Board next Monday after Round 3 is over. If I was a Newcastle board member, my question would be "That's fine Mr Brown, but when am I going to see tangible and consistent results?" The Knights are a team touted to make the finals this year and to date, have lost two games against bottom 8 teams from last year and a side who is going through it's own dramas this year. I agree it's not time to panic, but I'd really like to know when I can expect the side to string together a number of wins. If that doesn't happen in the next 4 weeks, I'd suggest both the Knights season and its coach are doomed.
Nunnsy
Guest
Im a knights supporter and agree with all the points above. Defence has been a lot better this year. I think ponga has to go back to fullback, Pearce needs to go back to controlling the team and let ponga chime in when he wants to and the points should start to flow again.