Longhurst signed by Newcastle Knights

[Pumba]

Longhurst signed by Newcastle Knights

The northwest school that has produced five State of Origin players can now lay claim to grooming another young rugby league star.

Meet Padua College year 12 student David Longhurst, who has signed a two-year deal with NRL club the Newcastle Knights.

The strapping 17-year-old backrower from Aspley, who played his junior football at Brothers and Albany Creek, has been snatched from Brisbane’s league cradle by Newcastle.

And his favourite Novocastrian, former Queensland Origin star Robbie O’Davis, had a hand in proceedings.

``The guy that was showing me around (Knights recruitment manager Keith Onslow) was best mates with Robbie so he rang him up and he came and had lunch with us,’’ Longhurst said. ``He told me what it was like for him coming down from Toowoomba so it was really good.’’

Longhurst impressed the Knights scouts at the state championships in Rockhampton and will move south after completing year 12 to take up his playing contract and start studying at the University of Newcastle.

Life Arena player agent Col Davis said his client would initially play in the SG Ball (under-18) team before moving up to the National Youth Competition (under-20).
``He’s a lovely fella you wish you had a hundred of him,’’ Davis said.

Onslow said Longhurst was a natural fit for the club.
``He is just one that fell into our lap. You have got the feeling he was meant to play at Newcastle,’’ he said.

Longhurst is following a Padua production line that has produced Origin players Paul ``Fatty’’ Vautin, Paul McCabe, Dane Carlaw, David Stagg and David Shillington.

``We’ve had so many Origin players and it’s such a proud tradition,’’ Longhurst said.
``It’s a dream come true. Ever since I started playing when I was 10, I wanted to play at an elite level.’’

League is in the blood, with David’s father, Frank, having played for Valleys in the Brisbane competition.

Northside Chronicle

 

[Frederick]

Yay, yet another back rower

 

[Newie is God's Country]

Hah Hah. He is wearing a Red V. Sound familiar. Is that a prerequisite to sign with us?

 

[Yosh]

For just once I wish we it said "Newcastle Knights have signed 'Blah'" and I would recognize 'Blah' instead of always going 'wah?'...

 

[aqua_duck]

our nyc team is probably lacking a backrower

 

[Baron Vo Mandor]

For just once I wish we it said "Newcastle Knights have signed 'Blah'" and I would recognize 'Blah' instead of always going 'wah?'...

Yep with the name I was hoping it was some star from the ESL that I hadnt heard of alas, another backrower!

 

[roopy]

A good addition to the SG Ball side, which could be very strong next year.

 

[Rolla]

Congrats to him, sounds a good kid... Another back rower eh? wonder if he can kick pass and organise haha.

 

[Knightmare]

Wonder if we could hoodwink the ARL into believeing he is qualified to play for NSW? That is, if he's good enough...

 

[footy1]

A good addition to the SG Ball side, which could be very strong next year.

Roopy, I am a big fan of your work on this site. If you were to name the SG Ball side for next year, what would your team be?

From what I know, maybe something like this:

1. William Smith
2. Nathan Cooper
3. Chanel Mata'utia-Leifi
4. Dale Clacherty
5. Pat Mata'utia-Leifi
6. Tyler Sullivan
7. Shay Padberg
8. Tye Alchin
9. Chris Knight
10. David Longhurst
11. Kori Barber
12. Dale Versteppen
13. Chad Redman (c)

14. Adam Clydesdale
15. Ben Bradley
16. Jason Savin
17. Jeremy Ma'a

 

[roopy]

Roopy, I am a big fan of your work on this site. If you were to name the SG Ball side for next year, what would your team be?

From what I know, maybe something like this:

1. William Smith
2. Nathan Cooper
3. Chanel Mata'utia-Leifi
4. Dale Clacherty
5. Pat Mata'utia-Leifi
6. Tyler Sullivan
7. Shay Padberg
8. Tye Alchin
9. Chris Knight
10. David Longhurst
11. Kori Barber
12. Dale Versteppen
13. Chad Redman (c)

14. Adam Clydesdale
15. Ben Bradley
16. Jason Savin
17. Jeremy Ma'a

I didn't get to watch very much of the juniors last year, but I think i'd put one of the Mata'utai boys at fullback, and i'd like to see Savin and Maa in the starting lineup.
Not sure what to do with Will Smith. I've never seen him play fullback, but he would probably be equal or better than the younger Padburg as a halfback, and if they use Sullivan in NYC he could be the starting 5/8.
I've also heard good things about a hooker named Mitch Barnes from Qld who is supposed to wrestle with the strength of a senior player already, but I don't know how we fit him in with Knight and Clydesdale being two of our best at hooker already.
We have also picked up a few Kiwis and will no doubt get our usual few players from the local comp who have developed a bit later than others, like Blake Birch for instance.
We need a couple of props for that squad, and that big Islander kid Felise Taufaao, who I thought was the best prop and biggest improver in Mathews last year, fits the bill - but we will miss Jermaine Wilson if he is really gone.

In short, your side looks good, but i'd expect half a dozen changes at least.

 

[footy1]

I didn't get to watch very much of the juniors last year, but I think i'd put one of the Mata'utai boys at fullback, and i'd like to see Savin and Maa in the starting lineup.
Not sure what to do with Will Smith. I've never seen him play fullback, but he would probably be equal or better than the younger Padburg as a halfback, and if they use Sullivan in NYC he could be the starting 5/8.
I've also heard good things about a hooker named Mitch Barnes from Qld who is supposed to wrestle with the strength of a senior player already, but I don't know how we fit him in with Knight and Clydesdale being two of our best at hooker already.
We have also picked up a few Kiwis and will no doubt get our usual few players from the local comp who have developed a bit later than others, like Blake Birch for instance.
We need a couple of props for that squad, and that big Islander kid Felise Taufaao, who I thought was the best prop and biggest improver in Mathews last year, fits the bill - but we will miss Jermaine Wilson if he is really gone.

In short, your side looks good, but i'd expect half a dozen changes at least.

William Smith played a bit of fullback this year in SG Ball. Mitchell Barnes is not eligible for SG Ball next season which is why I went with Chris Knight and Adam Clydesdale. I wouldn't start Jason Savin and Jeremy Ma'a as I'd prefer their impact off the bench IMO, especially Ma'a who is devastating when used this way. Felise Taufaao is a great player but I just couldn't find any room for him. He might need to work his way into the team and that's a good problem to have I guess. The team has a lot of depth in all positions, maybe except fullback where you might have to play make-shifts unless somebody stands out there in the pre-season. Jarome Wilson is off to the Melbourne Storm for their SG Ball side.

 

[aqua_duck]

Roopy, I am a big fan of your work on this site. If you were to name the SG Ball side for next year, what would your team be?

From what I know, maybe something like this:

1. William Smith
2. Nathan Cooper
3. Chanel Mata'utia-Leifi
4. Dale Clacherty
5. Pat Mata'utia-Leifi
6. Tyler Sullivan
7. Shay Padberg
8. Tye Alchin
9. Chris Knight
10. David Longhurst
11. Kori Barber
12. Dale Versteppen
13. Chad Redman (c)

14. Adam Clydesdale
15. Ben Bradley
16. Jason Savin
17. Jeremy Ma'a

isn't verstappen a prop and longhurst a backrower?

 

[NK Arsenal]

Roopy, I am a big fan of your work on this site. If you were to name the SG Ball side for next year, what would your team be?

From what I know, maybe something like this:

1. William Smith
2. Nathan Cooper
3. Chanel Mata'utia-Leifi
4. Dale Clacherty
5. Pat Mata'utia-Leifi
6. Tyler Sullivan
7. Shay Padberg
8. Tye Alchin
9. Chris Knight
10. David Longhurst
11. Kori Barber
12. Dale Versteppen
13. Chad Redman (c)

14. Adam Clydesdale
15. Ben Bradley
16. Jason Savin
17. Jeremy Ma'a

Are they relatd to Pete?

 

[roopy]

Are they relatd to Pete?

clones
our new development officer is really good.

 

[aqua_duck]

I keep hearing Pat could be the best of the lot

 

[roopy]

Pat and Chanel in Mathews in 2007

 

[roopy]

Pat this year.

 

[roopy]

while i'm in photobucket

Savin

Felise Taufaao

Jeremy Maa and Shay Padburg

 

[roopy]

Interesting boots Padburg is wearing - like Graig Johnstone soccer boots for tactical kicking.