Rumoured Targets 3

[PhilGould]

KNIGHTS SECURE TEEN KIWI STAR​

A bit of good news for the poor old Knights - and couldn't they use some now!

Boom Kiwi 18-year-old lock Tamakaimoana Whareaorere has put pen to paper with Newcastle until the end of 2024.

Ironically, the Knights were one of eight NRL clubs chasing Whareaorere when he was just 15 three years ago.

He opted to stay in New Zealand then, signing with the Warriors and learning his trade through their junior development system.

A former New Zealand Māori junior representative, he decided to make the move across the ditch for next season when the Knights came calling again recently.

"He's a tough kid and it's a great opportunity for him," the youngster's manager Dixon McIver told Wide World of Sports.

 

[PhilGould]

Can’t find any footage of him but Zammit’s strike rate with juniors speaks for itself, looking forward to seeing him play.

 

[Mr_Knightside]

Throwing it out there and I know it probably won’t be a popular opinion but looks like James Tamou might want to go around for another year. Thoughts on getting him here for a year for a bit of depth and experience? Given we’re going to lose at least Momoisea and Sue from our forward stocks and possibly Saulo too (hopefully not) then it would be handy having a guy with his professionalism and experience come off the bench or even just around the squad each week to help the younger guys.

It’s also not out of the question that Klemmer is out the door during the off season so picking up another experienced forward for a bargain price on a short deal could be useful.

I’m not sure exactly whether I’m for it or against it but if we needed an extra forward then he’s a decent option that wouldn’t break the bank from a $$$ or years perspective.

 

[Bdubs]

Throwing it out there and I know it probably won’t be a popular opinion but looks like James Tamou might want to go around for another year. Thoughts on getting him here for a year for a bit of depth and experience? Given we’re going to lose at least Momoisea and Sue from our forward stocks and possibly Saulo too (hopefully not) then it would be handy having a guy with his professionalism and experience come off the bench or even just around the squad each week to help the younger guys.

It’s also not out of the question that Klemmer is out the door during the off season so picking up another experienced forward for a bargain price on a short deal could be useful.

I’m not sure exactly whether I’m for it or against it but if we needed an extra forward then he’s a decent option that wouldn’t break the bank from a $$$ or years perspective.

its an intersting idea as we definitely need more experience and leadership because i think you need a couple of leaders to turn a culture around. Too much work for one person to do.

For me it depends on what we are doing with our roster. We would definitely have to offload someone to be able to bring him in

I also think Klemmer might be out the door at the end of the season. Don't like the idea as he's been our best and most consistant player.

 

[SamSepi0l]

Throwing it out there and I know it probably won’t be a popular opinion but looks like James Tamou might want to go around for another year. Thoughts on getting him here for a year for a bit of depth and experience? Given we’re going to lose at least Momoisea and Sue from our forward stocks and possibly Saulo too (hopefully not) then it would be handy having a guy with his professionalism and experience come off the bench or even just around the squad each week to help the younger guys.

It’s also not out of the question that Klemmer is out the door during the off season so picking up another experienced forward for a bargain price on a short deal could be useful.

I’m not sure exactly whether I’m for it or against it but if we needed an extra forward then he’s a decent option that wouldn’t break the bank from a $$$ or years perspective.

Pretty strongly against this idea.
I don't think on the field he adds much of anything at this stage and I don't think he's much of a leader either. The Tigers have had a bigger leadership void while he's been there than the Knights have now.
Goes missing when the times get tough. No thanks.

The young Kiwi lock sounds promising though we're short on info.

Gamble is the kind of player we need from a confidence stand point, one that can take the hits and just come back harder, but adds nothing to the squad in any other way. Doesn't help the kicking game, game management, defence can be patchy. Worth it if we can grab him on the minimum and play him as a back up only.

 

[Jono078]

Doesn't help the kicking game, game management, defence can be patchy. Worth it if we can grab him on the minimum and play him as a back up only.

I like what you’ve said, but if he comes here he’s just about first choice half for next year.

 

[Knight Tales]

its an intersting idea as we definitely need more experience and leadership because i think you need a couple of leaders to turn a culture around. Too much work for one person to do.

For me it depends on what we are doing with our roster. We would definitely have to offload someone to be able to bring him in

I also think Klemmer might be out the door at the end of the season. Don't like the idea as he's been our best and most consistant player.

You’d like to think Klemmer and Knowles can work together in the off season. Cos if Klem really wanted to make a statement he could bulk up a little and really look to the back end of his career as being more about impact and a little more firebrand. Look at JWH. He right now is the best prop in the game. At 33. He is also running over everyone. He Has turned the negatives which distracted his game into massive positives. If the Roosters make the GF he will be a significant factor in why. Klem has time on his side. But it has to happen soon.

 

[The Axe of Druss]

You’d like to think Klemmer and Knowles can work together in the off season. Cos if Klem really wanted to make a statement he could bulk up a little and really look to the back end of his career as being more about impact and a little more firebrand. Look at JWH. He right now is the best prop in the game. At 33. He is also running over everyone. He Has turned the negatives which distracted his game into massive positives. If the Roosters make the GF he will be a significant factor in why. Klem has time on his side. But it has to happen soon.

Totally different body shapes and playing styles. Not really as simple as "bulk up a little"

Klem is just fine the way he is. The team needs to go with him more instead of standing back and watching him run

 

[PhilGould]

KNIGHTS BEGIN SQUAD OVERHAUL

Super league try-scoring machine Bevan French will make his NRL return after agreeing to join the Knights.

It is expected French’s deal is for at least two seasons.

French has long craved an NRL return since quitting rugby league Australia to become an instant Super League sensation.

The Knights are also expected to step up their pursuit of injured Manly outside back Reuben Garrick.

French was a try-scoring machine during his time at Parramatta. The 26-year-old played 47 top grade games at the Eels between 2016-18 where he crossed 35 times. At Wigan, he scored a Super League record seven tries during Wigan’s 60-0 win against Hull FC last month.

Wigan are resigned to losing French, who has been a revelation at the club this year. He scored a Super League record seven tries during Wigan’s 60-0 win against Hull FC last month. He is expected to slot on the wing but will provide Newcastle with a handy back-up fullback option.

The Knights are also making moves to land Garrick. If Garrick and French arrive it would almost certainly push Kalyn Ponga into the halves.

Garrick has craved a starting fullback spot and his path is obviously blocked at the Sea Eagles because of Tom Trbojevic. It is understood Manly would be reluctant to let Garrick go but will consider releasing him from the final year of his deal if Garrick no longer wants to play on the flank.

He has been a regular for the Sea Eagles since making his debut in 2019 and has performed strongly at the back in Trbojevic’s absence.

The Knights will lose back-up fullback Tex Hoy (Hull FC) and winger Edrick Lee (Dolphins) won’t be at the Knights next year.

https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/nrl/nrl-2022-south-sydney-rabbitohs-out-of-usa-clash-sport-confidential/news-story/4b403540b5ce31b1a4414be434de2cfb?amp

 

[PhilGould]

Garrick is in the sweet spot of moving for opportunity rather than just a payday and also not being so proven as a fullback that he's going to demand big money. If you get him for $550k~ and he works out as a fullback you're laughing - if not that's still not awful money for a high end winger and goal kicker, especially with the cap going up over the next couple of years. Hope we get him and I hope it means we've moved on from Brooks as well.

Still not a fan of the French signing.

 

[NoSchitSherlock]

With these two it would leave one spot open?
Cant see us signing anyone else yet if so.

 

[PhilGould]

The 27 spots taken was already including French so still 2 left, and I'd be surprised if at least 1 player isn't moved on

 

[NoSchitSherlock]

The 27 spots taken was already including French so still 2 left, and I'd be surprised if at least 1 player isn't moved on

I reckon Hunt will go with French in.

 

[Yosh]

The goal kicking thing is huge. If we're going to be serious about making a run in the finals, we need a 80% goal kicker. I'd pay Garrick 50k more a season over his value for his goal kicking.

 

[Yosh]

Apparently Ezra Mam is available? Surely we take a look?

 

[Knight Tales]

Apparently Ezra Mam is available? Surely we take a look?

He’ll be asking overs. Do we really need him?

 

[Old dog]

Not happy with French signing even less happy if Hunt is let go because of.
Very happy with Garrick, goal kicking full back with Ponga moving to 6.
Now just sign Hastings and we are back in business.
My gut says we have French but no Garrick or Hastings OK shut up shop, close the business, no future

 

[Knight Tales]

Will be interesting to see who our new conditioning chief will be. Can’t imagine anyone rushing in to sign up.

 

[Jono078]

The goal kicking thing is huge. If we're going to be serious about making a run in the finals, we need a 80% goal kicker. I'd pay Garrick 50k more a season over his value for his goal kicking.

Come on Yosh, you've been around long enough to know how things work around here.

Garrick comes here with his 80% goal kicking rate and 1 of 2 things will happen;

1. He plays a handful of games before a season ending injury.

2. He forgets how to kick and has a 72% conversion rate.

 

[Mr_Knightside]

The Garrick thing would be good. He’s a bonafide first grader with the added bonus of being a good goal kicker and won’t cost us the bank. I’m a bit surprised that Hunt had fallen down the pecking order quite so much. He’s always been very solid and reliable and he’s probably the best defensive back we’ve got so it’s a bit weird that he’s had so few opportunities this year.