That Knights team, even with Bennett, are surely no chance at the premiership. For some reason I had it in my head at the end of last year that their line up would be way better, but looking at that, just no.
Halves are terrible, hooker is past it, centres average too. no real good wide running attacking back rowers (Cuthbertson is quite good but he's at prop for some reason)
They will be good defensively (like the dragons were), and will probably make the eight, but I don't think they'll have as many points in them as dragons 2009-2010 did.
However one person I am expecting to have a massive year is Boyd.
Yep, from the outside looking in, maybe not knowing what went on before Bennett arrived and not really knowing the dead wood that has been cut from the place, I can see where you are coming from. As a Knights supporter I'm very confident of a top six finish but admit a Premiership this season will probably not happen.
I'm no fan of Tahu in the centres. However I'm very happy to see how he goes for Bennett.
Your kidding yourself if Buderus isn't better than half the hookers going around in the NRL. His partnership with Matty Hilder will be a successful one.
I think you will see the backrowers doing exactly what you think they don't do. They will become a handful on the fringes. McKinnon, Taia and Housten will do just fine thanks.
As for Cuthbertson, not sure how long Benny would have had this plan for. Not sure if it's due to a lack of options that he has Cuthbo starting. What I do know is that he will add quality second phase play for us at some stage each week, something we have not had for years.
I think you will see an extremely competitive side, without being outstanding, but as the season progresses I think they will put plenty of points on good sides. For mine, there's no more important pair than Gidley and Mullen. Hopefully Bennett can do something with these two over the course of the season. Mullo will improve out of sight with the J. Soward game plan Bennett implemented the past three seasons at the Drags.
The other positive is that we have very good depth already. It will only get better every year Bennett is here. The top 17 will have to be very, very good to get a start at Newcastle in future seasons.
