A Newcastle rugby prodigy sets sights on code switch
www.newcastleherald.com.au
He is a Merewether Carlton junior and one of the hottest prospects in Australian rugby. Now Taj Annan is set to join the Newcastle Knights.
Annan is understood to have agreed to terms with the Knights and will be part of the NRL club’s top 30 when they assemble for preseason training in November.
Recruitment guru Peter O’Sullivan identified the utility back, who can play anywhere from five-eighth to fullback.
Recently turned 21, Annan has played Super Rugby for the Queensland Reds in the past two seasons and was part of the Australia side which competed at the under-20 rugby world championships in 2023.
He made five appearances for the Reds last season before he was sidelined with a syndesmosis injury.
The Knights have four spots left on the top-tier roster for next year and have vacancies in the outside backs.
Annan, who plays club rugby for the Garrick Morgan-coached Souths in Brisbane, is contracted to the Reds until November 30 and will get an early exit to join the Knights.
He has played predominantly in the centres or at fullback for the Reds.
The Knights are in the process of reshaping their roster but declined to comment when asked about Annan.
The 30-16 loss to North Queensland Cowboys in the elimination semi-final on Saturday night is expected to hasten that restructure.
Prop Daniel Saifiti, who has two years remaining on a big-money deal, is likely to join the Dolphins.
Hooker Jayden Brailey, middle forward Jack Hetherington and halfback Jackson Hastings have reportedly been told they are free to negotiate with rivals despite having contracts.
David Armstrong is headed to Super League club Leigh, Enari Tuala has been linked to the Bulldogs and Tom Jenkins is reportedly angling for a release. Centre Krystian Mapapalangi is seeking an extension.
Mat Croker and Brodie Jones are two forwards without a deal for next year.
Jones is understood to have attracted interest from the Dolphins and Gold Coast Titans. Both players have indicated a desire to remain in Newcastle but could be tempted elsewhere.
Annan will be one of two rugby converts in the Knights squad next season.
Tyrone Thompson, the twin of Knights prop Leo, has also made the switch. The 24-year-old hooker has played the past three Super Rugby seasons with the Chiefs.
Annan made his Super Rugby debut against the Hurricanes in round one of the 2023 season.
Standing 193cm, the rangy back is strong under the high ball and has a thumping boot.
Annan has spent the past three years developing under former Wallaby James O’Connor at the Reds.
O’Connor and fellow fly-half Lewis Creighton have left Reds, leaving the play-making duties to Tom Lynagh.
However, Annan was keen to switch codes and has jumped at the opportunity to return home after six years in Brisbane.
Offered a scholarship by Brisbane Boys College in 2018, Annan led the school to a GPS title in 2021 – their first since 1954.
He signed a three-year development contract with the Reds the same year and was upgraded to a full contract in 2023.
