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.
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.
Chris
Guest
For sure, shouldn’t be doing the forwards donkey work. Yet Best has had just about as many injuries as Ponga.
Justin
Guest
If you’re talking to me? All I can say is, ‘Ask Andrew Johns’. I think the other players wanted to put in effort for him. Then, how well were Parramatta or Penrith going in general, before Moses & Cleary ?
Brett Allen
Roar Rookie
Ah, did not hear that. That’ll do it, if true.
Gus O
Guest
I like your consideration on Newcastle recruitment. I do think Hastings improves game management IQ and 80 minute competitiveness. I suggest Hastings/Ponga has much, much better potential than Clifford/Milford … but it’s another major overhaul, another new spine. The late additional recruitment of Miller is a huge bonus - where was the new Knight’s plan headed without a threat at fullback? Miller could be the final piece of the puzzle and has me wanting to watch. Let’s hope they stay fit and healthy and let’s see what they can do.
Gus O
Guest
I expect the moving Ponga to 5/8 is Ponga’s choice. If he wasn’t keen the coach doesn’t have the juice to make it happen. The recruitment to support this transition has been excellent. Of the available options, who would anyone have recruited ahead of Hastings to partner Ponga? A competitive organising 7. The recruitment of Miller was the final piece of the puzzle, and a potential masterstroke. They have Clune and Gamble as capable and much needed back up/injury cover, as the team has been uncompetitive when Ponga is injured. With his history of concussions, i think moving Ponga into the defensive front line is bonkers. He risks having edge back rowers charging directly at him all game, every week. But the Newcastle brains trust and Ponga himself will have thought this through, and their recruitment covers this risk. With the late addition of Miller, barring injuries or idiocy Newcastle look to have a more competitive roster… which means it’s up to the coaching staff. No excuses now.
Randy
Roar Rookie
Raiders fans thanking the Knights for Tapine and Young, two players they could really do with. Although I don’t think the forwards are the Knights problem. They have probably missed a good wide running backrower, someone like Hudson Young who also has a bit of x-factor. Outside of Ponga who isn’t mr consistent anyway their backline is poor and struggles to convert field position into points. Not sure whether Hastings will add anything…
JennyFromPenny
Guest
Replace Milford, one of the Broncos 2020 spoon-winning squadron of halves, with another in Gamble. If success breeds success, then not sure what Newcastle are hoping for, with their failure breeding program.
Albo
Roar Rookie
His career has gone nowhere , but he has a nice new full trouser leg tattoo ! :silly:
Dutski
Roar Guru
Wasn’t he having an inappropriate text exchange with Fitzgibbon’s missus? Something like that?
peeeko
Roar Guru
Tim Sheenius knows that Brooks will now imprive after 200 games of NRL
peeeko
Roar Guru
plus you have lost your young winger for 2024. Dom young was needed more at the Roosters who could afford to pay a lot more because their backline has only no names such as Tedesco, Manu, Sualii, Tupou, Keary and Walker
Brett Allen
Roar Rookie
I wonder if it’s worth moving him to FB to increase his involvement ?
Brett Allen
Roar Rookie
Uncle Nick usually gets his man
Choppy Zezers
Roar Rookie
Its just been announced on the Tele Devo he is leaving but hes such a sick talent he should go to a decent club. Or the Roosters
mushi
Roar Guru
We agree! It's either right or the apocalypse :silly:
Muzz
Guest
Reasonable roster B grade coach The biggest problem with having a poor head coach is that you can't build/ improve on the previous season. It'll be the same same for the Knights until they find a better coach.
Forty Twenty
Roar Rookie
Had plenty of injuries as well.
Brett Allen
Roar Rookie
Yeah, the Nathan Brown years have just been wasted
Brett Allen
Roar Rookie
You reckon ? I don’t recall anything
souvalis
Roar Rookie
Irreconcilable loss of trust incident with team mates.