From an outsider looking in, Mullen reminds me alot of Adam Dykes. If looked after you could make him into a decent five eighth.
And I also agree that it is time for the Knights to open the chequebook and make some hard decisions vis-a-vis cutting players.
Alas, I see alot of parallels with this Knights side and The Eels side of the early nineties. Like you guys are saying now, we (The Eels) were resigned to the fact of hoping that our juniors would improve our side, knowing that outside recruitment was not an option. I fear that the Knights are similar to the Eels of old in that they will find it hard to attract players (face it, is a guy like Mason going to join you guys on big money if he cant be assured the club will have the cash to honour the contract?) Furthermore, the addition of a side like the Gold COast offers a cashed up, highly attractive alternative to the Knights. Is Newcastle in the same boat as Parra of the early nineties were post the loss of their inspirational halfback?
This year must be written off as a loss. You need to rebuild, and I would start by giving Hagan the flick. A new coach with new ideas would be a big plus for the team.....are there any coaches available?
For this week against the Eels, you guys have a few options. I would strongly consider moving Thaiday to fullback...he could be utilised in a manner like Matt Bowen, would be handy. In Johns you have the best kicker of a football in the game. Parra's weakness is under the highball, in particular Luke Burt. Your game plan will revolve around bombs to Burt's wing....it is the only weakness your team will be able to exploit. Why have you guys gone cold on Kidley.....I really rate this guy and would have loved to see him in the Eels #6 at the start of the year. Matt Gidley is ordinary, but the best youve got. Carmont is a winger, at best. You have a matchwinning fullback begging to play for you guys yet you tell him to bugger off after a decade of loyalty? WHAT THE?????
I have no idea on injuries or anything, but here is the Newie side I would hate to play against this week...
1. Thaiday
2. Carmont (Dont rate this guy, if there is a better junior than put him here)
3. Gidley
4. Tighe (Like this guy)
5. Quinn (Put him against Burt and bomb the hell outta him)
6. Mullen
7. Johns
8. Smith
9. Kurt Gidley
10. Woolnough
11. Newton
12. Tanner
13. Reynoldson
Bench:
14. A small quick player.
15. Snowden
16. Tolar
17. White
Good Luck this weekend.... I remember when Parra played another side who lost their first 8 games (Manly) and subsequently sacked Bozo as their coach. What happened? WE LOST.
Chin up, I cant see a Parra flogging.....GET TO THE GAME.