More of the same mediocrity for the Newcastle Knights in 2023?

Roar Guru

19th February, 2023

1159 Reads

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The King of the World

Roar Guru

19th February, 2023

1159 Reads

After Newcastle Knights played out their trials without winning either game, the focus now shifts to the season ahead. The success of it will most likely be decided by the answers to the questions that follow.

1. Is Kalyn Ponga’s move to six the right one?

I say yes. When Ponga has the ball, he plays more like a five-eighth than a fullback. He only played in the first half against Parramatta and two of his three missed tackles lead to tries. Such defensive misreads will need to be worked on, however, he did effectively set up a try. Rather than pull the plug, this needs to be a long term transition.

2. Are the Knights likely to improve?

With a much better lineup and spine this year, I believe they will be better. With an in-form regular first grade halfback, someone who can lead the team around the park and take pressure of Ponga, there is hope for the season. Jayden Brailey’s is back and despite the loss of David Klemmer, the Knights have recruited well in the forwards and made three decent trades.

3. Did Newcastle win at the trade table?

Jackson Hastings for David Klemmer. The Knights won this deal. They are loaded in the forwards and needed a regular first grade halfback.

NEWCASTLE, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 20: Jackson Hastings of the Wests Tigers is tackled during the round two NRL match between the Newcastle Knights and the Wests Tigers at McDonald Jones Stadium, on March 20, 2022, in Newcastle, Australia. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)

Jackson Hastings. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)

Greg Marzhew for Chris Randall. The Knights also won this deal. While I think Marzhew does need to work on his defence, he’s a well built wrecking machine and very speedy. I can’t see Chris Randall playing much first grade for Gold Coast.
Lachlan Miller for Max Bradbury. I give the win to Newcastle in this trade. Miller has got speed and knows how to cope with pressure. Bradbury is a gun prop but this trade helps Ponga’s five-eighth transition. Bradbury will still be down the order at Cronulla.

4. What is the 2023 goal for the Knights?

While I do believe winning the premiership is the ultimate goal, Newcastle are not even near the level of being premiership contenders. The short term plan should be to achieve more wins, build a competitive spirit, perhaps play finals and plan for the future.

5. Which player will Knights fans be most excited about in 2023?

Daniel Saifiti. The big man has a lot to prove and now, as the forward pack leader, needs to discover the form that brought him State of Origin selection.

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