Knights vs Bulldogs First Grade Team

[RABK]

Knights on Debut


Tuesday, March 13, 2007 - Newcastle Knights

Knights duo, James McManus and Terence Seu Seu will make their NRL debuts this Sunday when Newcastle hosts the Bulldogs at EnergyAustralia Stadium.

Coach Brian Smith announced a 19 man squad for the season opener today, featuring seven new faces in the first grade line up.

“Everyone in this side has earned their opportunity,” Brian Smith said.

“James and Terence especially have been standout performers throughout the pre season and in the trials. I think they’re ready to give it a shot.”

McManus joined the Knights from the Northern Territory Institute of Sport in 2004 and was one of Premier League’s most consistent players in 2006. Seu Seu was a member of last year’s Jersey Flegg Minor Premiership side before launching his representative career with New Zealand ‘A’.

McManus and Seu Seu are joined by fellow debutants Todd Polglase, Cory Paterson and Jesse Royal.

Matthew White returns to the top grade for the first time since 2005 and Adam MacDougall makes his much anticipated come back in the blue and red.

“I can’t wait to run out in Knights colours again,” MacDougall said.

“There’s a great feeling within the club and the team is in top shape to kick off the season.”

“We’re not quite full strength but we’re close,” said Smith.

Meanwhile, competition for key positions has resulted in one of the strongest Premier League teams in recent memory with a number of experienced first graders included in Coach Trent Robinson’s starting 13.

Six days from kick off, ticket sales are strong but there are still plenty of good seats left for Sunday’s blockbuster.

Once again this year, supporters are encouraged to pre-purchase tickets in the lead up to game day to avoid lining up.

Tickets can be purchased at the Knights Kingdom Supporter Store at EnergyAustralia Stadium, Rebel Sport Charlestown, Travelworld Newcastle and Cessnock, over the phone on 4941 8282 or through Ticketmaster on 136 100.

Gates open at 9.10am for members and 9.25am for the public - kick off between the Knights and the Bulldogs at 2pm.

http://www.newcastleknights.com.au/absolutenm/templates/mediareleases.asp?articleid=1019&zoneid=1



KNIGHTS v BULLDOGS
EnergyAustralia Stadium
Round 1
Sunday 18 March, 2007
Coach: Brian Smith

1. Kurt Gidley
2. James McManus
3. George Carmont
4. Brad Tighe
5. Adam MacDougall
6. Jarrod Mullen
7. Andrew Johns (c)
8. Josh Perry
9. Terence Seu Seu
10. Adam Woolnough
11. Steve Simpson
12. Clint Newton
13. Kirk Reynoldson

Interchange:
14. Todd Polglase
15. Daniel Abraham
16. Matthew White
17. Daniel Tolar
18. Cory Paterson
19. Jesse Royal
(two to be omitted)

http://www.newcastleknights.com.au/absolutenm/templates/mediareleases.asp?articleid=1020&zoneid=1

 

[RABK]

I'm suprised at a few selections...

* McManus over Uate
* Reynoldson from PL to our starting forward pack
* Polglase as our bench utility
* Whites quick return to the top grade

I dunno....that bench looks fairly sh*t at first glance, especially to non Knights fans....but these are the guys who would be very hungry after playing under Hages for the past few years. (except polglase)

Smith is known for changing a side in the hours leading up to a game too so i'd say that Patterson and Royal are a big chance to play.

 

[Spike]

Apart from Reynoldson at lock, I'm happy enough with the side

 

[Pumba]

My Thoughts
I thought Aku would have been selected over McManus,
Nice to see Seu Seu there as expected. He will make his FG Debut without playing PL?.
Todd Polglase is a interesting selection on the bench.
There are some big forwards on that bench althought most likely Patto & Royal will miss out.
But all the could change Smithy has a habit of changing lineups at the last minute.

I AM PUMPED BRING ON SUNDAY!!!

 

[roopy]

No second hooker?
I really doubt Terrence should be asked to play 80 minutes.
Perhaps Polglase is there so Kidley can slip up to hooker.
There must be a plan.

 

[RABK]

So im imaging we will see rotation between Seu Seu, Kidley and Polglase?

Seu Seu > Bench
Kidley > Hooker
Polglase > Fullback

Then again Kidley can play Lock, Seu Seu cna play 1-7+ 9, Mad Dog can play Fullback etc....numerous ways Smith could rotate players throughout the course of the game.

 

[Stuzmeister]

Looks like a strong enough side. Really looking forward to seeing the young guys fire.

Bring on Sunday.

 

[keeney]

Surprised about Kirk there, but will reserve judgement, he can play well enough on his day, maybe an off season with Smith has made that day more than a once a season occurence. Glad to see Tanner is where he deserves to be. Excited about Seu Seu and the majority of the backline. Good to see Abes and Tolar are somewhat back, and shall be interested in regards to Polglase, Royal, and Patterson should he make it.

 

[keeney]

Oh yeah, where the hell is Mitchell Sargeant?

 

[Mitchsu Danger]

Has Jesse Royal played FG before?

 

[Pumba]

Oh yeah, where the hell is Mitchell Sargeant?

Good point keeney maybe he didn't impress Smith enough to play firstgrade.

 

[Pumba]

Has Jesse Royal played FG before?

No he came to the Knights from the Panthers. He has been stuck in PL for about 4 years now.

 

[Yosh]

What position does Royal play again? 2nd row or prop was it?

 

[Pumba]

Yosh Royal is a Prop but he is listed as a Prop/2nd Row on the Knights Site
http://www.newcastleknights.com.au/about/profile.asp?id=33

 

[Yosh]

Yosh Royal is a Prop but he is listed as a Prop/2nd Row on the Knights Site
http://www.newcastleknights.com.au/about/profile.asp?id=33

TY TY

 

[sneaky_is_here]

i like Davico more than i do Reynoldson.

 

[Baron Vo Mandor]

I stand corrected at this stage Antonius!

Interesting side, bloody inexperienced but was always going to be like that after our numerous departures last year.

 

[justsomefootyfan]

Hi everyone,

A bit of info for you - i was at the trial last week and polglase played the first half in premier league on the wing, then came on in the second half for a short time as hooker. He also came on as a hooker for a short time in the second half for first grade so i'd say he'll be the replacement for seu seu. Also, to be honest i'm not surprised that Uate didn't get a start - he looks like being an awesome player but he was limping a bit in the trial vs the sharks and had the head trainer with him talking things through with him a fair bit as well. Still a bit of learning and toughening up for him before he's ready.

Oh yeah and one more opinion before i go - i think patterson looks a bit small in the legs at this stage to make the impact everyone's expecting from him this year. Big upper body but like Simmo did - i'd say he'll take at least another off season to build up his leg drive to make the big runs in first grade.

 

[RABK]

Hi everyone,

A bit of info for you - i was at the trial last week and polglase played the first half in premier league on the wing, then came on in the second half for a short time as hooker. He also came on as a hooker for a short time in the second half for first grade so i'd say he'll be the replacement for seu seu. Also, to be honest i'm not surprised that Uate didn't get a start - he looks like being an awesome player but he was limping a bit in the trial vs the sharks and had the head trainer with him talking things through with him a fair bit as well. Still a bit of learning and toughening up for him before he's ready.

Oh yeah and one more opinion before i go - i think patterson looks a bit small in the legs at this stage to make the impact everyone's expecting from him this year. Big upper body but like Simmo did - i'd say he'll take at least another off season to build up his leg drive to make the big runs in first grade.

Welcome to the forums Brian. Glad to have you here.

 

[Pika]

Oh yeah, where the hell is Mitchell Sargeant?

Achilles injury.

Aku not nursing an injury that I am aware of. Running freely and participating in all the contact work.