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2020 team

Messages
3,674
Saw that as well. There was definitely 30 names too. Anyone know who dropped out for Brailey?
I get 26 both in what I copied and the website now.
Nrl.com has the same with
New faces
Jayden Brailey (Sharks), Bradman Best, Star To'a (upgraded from development contracts)

Unsigned/Losses
Shaun Kenny-Dowall (Hull KR), James Gavet (Huddersfield), Jamie Buhrer, Zac Woolford (unsigned), Jesse Ramien (released), Slade Griffin, Nathan Ross (retired)

3 added and 7 gone gives the 4 to get to 30.
 

PhilGould

Bench
Messages
3,325
Sounds like Roberts-Davis, Soper-Lawler and Narekuva are competing with each other for 1 spot.


Edit: They've updated the article and removed any mention of Narekuva.
 
Last edited:
Messages
11,010
Can we get a copy and paste here?
He is one of the game's most dynamic utility players but that hasn't always been enough for Connor Watson.


He left NRL powerhouse Sydney Roosters and may have cost himself a couple of premierships in the process because he wasn't satisfied at the time playing 20 minute cameos off the bench.


But two seasons into a three year deal with the Knights, Watson is no closer to nailing down a permanent spot in the starting lineup, largely because he is too good at what he does best - covering a number of positions.

It's only now that he is getting more comfortable with the thought of being a star utility rather than a specialist, just as long as his game time is not compromised too much.



"For the first few years of my career, I really just wanted to be a five-eighth," Watson told the Newcastle Herald.

"I wanted that starting role. The frustration of only getting 20 minutes a game at the Roosters is why I left the club to come up to Newcastle.

"But as the game evolves and gets faster, I guess it's a blessing to be able to play in so many positions. With the speed of the game, the guys in the middle are having to get a bit smaller and more mobile because the bigger guys get tired easier. So for me, if I can play in a middle role, or at hooker or five-eighth or any position for that matter because I really believe I can cover every position, and do a good job for the team and we win, at the end of the day, that's the most important thing.

"I just want to play a big part in a winning football team and make a difference."

Watson has spoken to coach Adam O'Brien to get a gauge on what role he might play next season.

READ MORE: Newcastle Knights

O'Brien admitted last week Kurt Mann and Phoenix Crossland were the favourites for the five-eighth role. The signing of an 80 minute hooker in Jayden Brailey suggests Watson's opportunities there may be limited as well.

But one of Watson's greatest attributes besides his blinding speed off the mark is his tenaciousness and never-say-never attitude.

"I'll use the next three months to try and grab a run-on position and make it mine but if not, I'll be ready for whatever Adam wants from me," he said.
 

Spot On

Coach
Messages
13,902
We really are farked in the 5/8 position unless Crossland is a gun or O'Brien is some sort of messiah and turn Kurt Mann into a first grade standard defender.
 

Old dog

Juniors
Messages
2,481
No mention of Lino? So he is reserve grader covering 6, 7 in firsts, will miss his goal kicking. Thought he would at least be equal to Mann and Crossland (at this time) plus goal kicking.
 

Yosh

Coach
Messages
11,324
I really like Watson. Hopefully we find a really solid role for him in the team.

Maybe start on the bench. Come in around 20 minutes, play for 40 minutes at hooker and then move to back row when Jayden comes back in.
 

Knight Vision

First Grade
Messages
5,066
I really like Watson. Hopefully we find a really solid role for him in the team.

Maybe start on the bench. Come in around 20 minutes, play for 40 minutes at hooker and then move to back row when Jayden comes back in.
Hopefully Jayden can play a full 80 and we have more flexibility with our bench selection.
 
Messages
11,010
1. Ponga
2. Lee
3. Best
4. Moga (if he actually starts having a go)
5. Hunt
6. Crossland
7. Pearce
8. Klemmer
9. Brailey
10. D. Saifiti
11. Fitzy
12. Barnett
13. Glasby

14. Watson
15. Ese'ese
16. Sione
17. J. Saifiti


Or something like that
 

Tom155

Coach
Messages
15,734
1. Ponga
2. Lee
3. Best
4. Hunt
5. Toa
6. Crossland
7. Pearce
8. Klemmer
9. Brailey
10. D.Saifiti
11. Fitzy
12. Barnett
13. Glasby

14. Watson
15. Ese'ese
16. Sione
17. J.Saifiti
 

Knight Vision

First Grade
Messages
5,066
1. Ponga
2. Lee
3. Best
4. Hunt
5. Toa
6. Crossland
7. Pearce
8. Klemmer
9. Brailey
10. D.Saifiti
11. Fitzy
12. Barnett
13. Glasby

14. Watson
15. Ese'ese
16. Sione
17. J.Saifiti

I like the backs ....some thoughts on the forwards
  • Dont get the Glasby love, to me he is a double scoop of plain vanilla - hope he plays off the bench where he belongs. makes little to no mtrs, doesnt make a lot of tackles.....I just dont get this guy - someone please point out to me how on earth this guy makes the cut as I must be missing something.
  • I hope Herman can have break out year and really show us what he's got. That bloke has huge potential.
  • Jsaf - this is a must do season for Jsaf or he could start to fall away completely.
  • Fitz better not play like he did this season or I hope one of the young fellas is playing well enough to replace him. One trick pony who showed little effort this season. Pea heart - he had a crap season with exception of the game where he hyper extended his elbow and played on.
 

Knight Vision

First Grade
Messages
5,066
I would have thought a 5/8 would be top priority.

https://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/nr...s/news-story/26fa3b7c56b368eae33e87e606518283

KNIGHTS

Positions to fill: Five-eighth, centre, back row

Analysis: The Knights are building a strong squad under new coach Adam O’Brien, but still have a number of holes in the backs and the back row.

Connor Watson’s claims to the five-eighth role have cooled, after he starred at hooker and off the bench in 2019.

That puts youngster Pheonix Crossland in the driver’s seat to play No.6, but he is probably still another couple of seasons away from playing consistent football in the top grade.

The Knights lost future representative centre Jesse Ramien to the Sharks and while Bradman Best is an exciting prospect it will take him time to learn his trade in first grade.

The Knights have a solid back row including workhorses Lachlan Fitzgibbon, Mitchell Barnett and Tim Glasby, but they lack the game-breaking ability of players like Jason Taumalolo and Tevita Pangai Jr.

Verdict: The Knights need a strike back-rower who can set the tone for the side in both attack and defence.
 
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