Rumoured Targets 3

[macavity]

I feel like I've missed something

I’ve been told by a couple of in the know people he requires a prescription that is on the banned list. Happy to delete as unverified.

 

[PhilGould]

Knights halfback Adam Clune has knocked back an approach from Warrington to move to the Super League.

It comes as speculation mounts fellow Knights playmaker Jake Clifford won’t be at the club next year. Clifford started this season with a bang in the opening rounds but has fallen out of favour with coach Adam O’Brien.

Even though Clifford still has a year to run on a contract reportedly worth $450,000, the mail is both parties would be willing to cut ties if Clifford can find a new club.

Clifford, 24, has long been regarded as one of the most naturally gifted young halves in the game, but his career is reaching the crossroads given he is yet to realise his full potential.

He had some well-publicised personal issues this season that at one point led to him being left out of the NRL team.

The Knights have signed Tyson Gamble from the Broncos for next season to cover the loss of Anthony Milford, and the club continues to chase a top halfback. It’s no secret they want Luke Brooks but Wests Tigers have repeatedly said Brooks will not be released.

Clune is thought to be on considerably less money than Clifford, so even if the Knights sign another halfback on big money, Clune’s wage would not be as big a salary cap burden as Clifford if he was forced back to NSW Cup.

Though it is still a worrying situation for the club to be in after such a disappointing season.

https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/nrl/nrl-market-watch-luke-brooks-wests-tigers-commence-contract-talks/news-story/53a47c7869e24fabffe1d26e57c1dd6f?amp

 

[PhilGould]

Would seem to indicate the club is allowing Clune to negotiate elsewhere if it got to the stage where he was the one rejecting the move.

 

[Jono078]

Does anyone know what happened to Lachlan Lewis? I thought he had some talent but he seems to be a real prick. But if we’re gonna suck next year then I at least want tough pricks in the team.

 

[macavity]

Does anyone know what happened to Lachlan Lewis? I thought he had some talent but he seems to be a real prick. But if we’re gonna suck next year then I at least want tough pricks in the team.

sold team property (stereo equipment I think) on gumtree and got the sack.

Not the sort of prick we want.

 

[Loose Cannon]

Does anyone know what happened to Lachlan Lewis? I thought he had some talent but he seems to be a real prick. But if we’re gonna suck next year then I at least want tough pricks in the team.

Tried to sell provided conveniences on Ebay during Covid. Wrestled a bloke after halftime was called. Tough as he is stupid.

 

[Mr_Knightside]

Lachlan Lewis is one that I’m surprised didn’t end up at another NRL club. Definitely a tough little bugger if nothing else, was one of the few guys who looked like he gave a shit a couple of years ago when the Dogs were doing terribly.

I know he’s done a couple of dumb things but there are plenty of guys running around in the NRL who have been to court for assault, drunken behaviour etc. Surely selling a club owned stereo system is pretty light as far as controversy goes.

Honestly, given the lack of good options available, I wouldn’t be upset if we signed him.

 

[Apey]

Honestly his greatest talent was being related to Wally.

 

[Yosh]

We going to use 8 of our roster spots on below average halves?

 

[ryan.a87]

Madden has signed with Broncos which is even more of a indication tigers are keeping Brookes…..phew

 

[Bdubs]

Lachlan Lewis is one that I’m surprised didn’t end up at another NRL club. Definitely a tough little bugger if nothing else, was one of the few guys who looked like he gave a shit a couple of years ago when the Dogs were doing terribly.

I know he’s done a couple of dumb things but there are plenty of guys running around in the NRL who have been to court for assault, drunken behaviour etc. Surely selling a club owned stereo system is pretty light as far as controversy goes.

Honestly, given the lack of good options available, I wouldn’t be upset if we signed him.

Didn't the NRL deregister Lewis and refuse to register him again after he got caught trying to sell the club owner stuff.

I think the reason no club has tried to sign him since is a trust issue. If you can't trust him not to steal, you can't trust him in defence etc

To me its similar to Tim Simona, he was betting on games and letting in try's etc. No club will sign him because he can't be trusted. I know its different and a lot more serious, but both ultimately become trust issues

 

[Mr_Knightside]

Didn't the NRL deregister Lewis and refuse to register him again after he got caught trying to sell the club owner stuff.

I think the reason no club has tried to sign him since is a trust issue. If you can't trust him not to steal, you can't trust him in defence etc

To me its similar to Tim Simona, he was betting on games and letting in try's etc. No club will sign him because he can't be trusted. I know its different and a lot more serious, but both ultimately become trust issues

Yeah I can see that side of it but Tim Simona was essentially cheating with what he was doing whereas Lewis got himself in trouble for something completely unrelated and off the field. I mean if he got deregistered for that then I don’t really know what the NRL’s priorities are. They let Matt Lodge back in FFS.

The way I see it is why not let him have another chance? let a club sign him on a 1 year deal at minimal $$$ and put a bunch of clauses in there saying not to stuff up again. If he does then see ya!

 

[Loose Cannon]

To me its similar to Tim Simona, he was betting on games and letting in try's etc.

Don’t want to claim betting, but damn a few of our squad would be complicit re defence.

 

[Haffa]

Honestly his greatest talent was being related to Wally.

Being related to legends gets you a rolling contract in Newcastle

 

[PhilGould]

Toohey’s News

- Bevan French had agreed to terms on a 1-year deal with the Knights but Wigan have upped the ante and blown the Knights offer out of the water. Still no definitive decision either way. The growing possibility of Kalyn Ponga moving into the halves may have a bearing on French’s ultimate decision.
- Toohey says it doesn’t appear the Knights are actively shopping Klemmer but believes it’s unlikely he’ll be re-signed beyond next season, and that the club wouldn’t stand in his way if he received an offer elsewhere before next season.
- NSW Cup coach Mark O’Meley is finishing up at the club. Eric Smith will take over as reserve grade coach while also remaining as an assistant coach for the NRL team. It was said on Toohey’s podcast this week that the NSW Cup squad will be training alongside the NRL squad full time next season.
- Bringing in an experienced assistant seems unlikely at this stage due to lack of options available.
- Oryn Keeley has been wiped out of the Jersey Flegg finals completely with a 3 game suspension.

 

[Spot On]

Maybe Toohey could rename his column to ‘Toohey’s Good News’ and write something up in a few years time… if he’s lucky.

 

[Knight Tales]

Toohey’s News

- Bevan French had agreed to terms on a 1-year deal with the Knights but Wigan have upped the ante and blown the Knights offer out of the water. Still no definitive decision either way. The growing possibility of Kalyn Ponga moving into the halves may have a bearing on French’s ultimate decision.
- Toohey says it doesn’t appear the Knights are actively shopping Klemmer but believes it’s unlikely he’ll be re-signed beyond next season, and that the club wouldn’t stand in his way if he received an offer elsewhere before next season.
- NSW Cup coach Mark O’Meley is finishing up at the club. Eric Smith will take over as reserve grade coach while also remaining as an assistant coach for the NRL team. It was said on Toohey’s podcast this week that the NSW Cup squad will be training alongside the NRL squad full time next season.
- Bringing in an experienced assistant seems unlikely at this stage due to lack of options available.
- Oryn Keeley has been wiped out of the Jersey Flegg finals completely with a 3 game suspension.

None of the above is surprising. Next season is about hoping we keep our fittest squad together and planning for a big play at the 2024 player market. If we are possibly losing Klem then we should be looking at potentials where are skilful edge forward exists at a club which needs a senior and very reliable front rower. Possible Swap. The Titans would be a great place to start.
If the Safs don’t aim up next season I think the club would want to reconsider the Klem situation. It is a major call either way.

 

[ryan.a87]

Hypothetically, would we consider a trade to send Klemmer to England (obviously he would have to agree) to get kpp or Pryce early

 

[macavity]

Klem is building a house and has school age kids. He won't want to go anywhere. We are looking at it the wrong way - give him another 3 years to see him out at a team friendly rate, then tee him up with a role after footy. He has a lot to offer and may well jump at staying home with his family.

 

[mozza91]

Nah let’s not re-sign our best player. Let’s sign as many talentless halves as we can!