AIDAN Guerra is on the Knights’ shopping list, and so are a couple of experienced, high-quality front-rowers.
You can throw a proven play-maker and a strike centre into the mix.
Nathan Brown is adamant that the Knights roster will “change dramatically next year” but the coach is hopeful rather than confident of bolstering the squad before the June 30 cut off.
“Anyone we are talking to is generally more for next year,” Brown said on Tuesday. “But as we have seen in this game, strange things can happen with people moving at different stages.”
Guerra is the latest big name to be linked to a move to the Hunter. In this case, the Queensland back-rower is reported to have approached the Knights.
“We have certainly had a chat to Aidan,” Brown said. “We think a player of his experience – he has played Origin and won grand finals – could certainly help our squad.”
Guerra made his debut for the Roosters in 2010 and has racked up 140 game for the Tricolours, highlighted by the 2013 premiership. Queensland’s 28-4 loss to NSW in last week’s Origin opener was the 29-year-old’s 10th appearance for the Maroons. If the Knights do broker an agreement with off-contract edge player it will be for 2018 and beyond.
However, former Knights coach Michael Hagan highlighted on radio this week an urgent need for troops now. In particular forwards to take the heat off the young tyros, who struggled to match the physicality of the Storm in the 20-12 loss on Friday.
“What Hages is saying is a fair statement,” Brown said. “ What you need to do and what you can do … we certainly have the finances for it. At the moment, the players we are looking at are in clubs who are going very well. Those clubs won’t let them go because they are all looking to play finals football. We certainly do think for our squad going forward, we do need a few middles which we have already said and had shots at a few. What we don’t want to do is buy a couple of ordinary ones to fill your roster up.”
Sam Mataora (111kg) and Pauli Pauli (125kg) fit the big-men bill, but have been languishing in reserve grade after disrupted pre-seasons.
“Both played well last week in reserve grade against a very good Warriors side,” Brown said. “They both have the talent, there are just some little areas of their game they have to tidy up.”
To date the Knights have missed recruitment targets Jack Bird, Matt Scott, Kieran Foran, Dale Fincuane and Ben Matulino. Their only kill has been teenager Kayln Ponga. Cooper Cronk, James Graham and James Maloney remain on their hit list.
“There are a lot of good players on the market,” Brown said. “For us it is about being patient. I know we keep saying that. It is no good going and paying big money for the wrong players.”
Brown has made one change to the 17 for the clash against Manly at Lottloand Stadium on Friday.
Sam Stone (sternum) has been replaced by Josh King.
