Rumoured Targets 3

[Knight Vision]

What does this mean for Lamb? I'm very happy with the Pearce signing but sadly I think it means Lamb walks and I for one will be very surprised if Connor Watson goes on to have a better first grade career than Brock Lamb. Ideally, I'd keep them both...

1.Kalyn Ponga
2.Nathan Ross
3.Sione Mata'utia
4.Tautau Moga
5.Shaun Kenny Dowell
6.Brock Lamb
7.Mitchell Pearce
8.Jacob Lillyman
9.Danny Levi
10.Daniel Saifiti
11.Aiden Guerra (c)
12.Jamie Buhrer
13.Mitch Barnett

14.Connor Watson
15.Jacob Saifiti
16.Herman Ese'ese
17.Dylan Napa

Love that line up. If we got Napa and a decent centre we're more than just pushing top 8

 

[Knight Vision]

Ah. Did not realise he kicks. Ok then.

Left foot kicker, He's the complete package. All going well the kid could be anything by the end of his career.

 

[Glendale]

One thing I do know is there is no bigger fan of Brock Lamb then Nathan Brown. He absolutely loves him.

He also mentioned many times through the year not to go too hard on Lamb as he wasn’t meant to really be playing first grade last year but the Mullen situation thrust him into it with no choice. He reminded the press that Lamb is only 20 and halves like Ben Hunt didn’t nail down a first grade halves position until he was 24. Id say this will be the plan, Brown doesn’t want to lose Lamb. But at the end of the day it will come down to what Brock wants to do and not what the club wants.

 

[Mr_Knightside]

Although Watson has been offered the 6 jumper to start the year there's no doubt that he would have to prove that he deserves it throughout the year. If his form isn't great or if he's not gelling with Pearce then Brock may find himself back in the starting team sooner rather than later.

Also as people have said our luck with injuries is usually terrible and I would imagine at least one of our spine would have time on the sidelines at some stage this year so I still think even if Lamb isn't first choice for a halves spot there's a good chance that he'll still play plenty of games this year.

 

[Knight Vision]

I'm not expecting great things from Pearce although a great pick up for the club and an obvious improvement on Lamb ( at this stage ) he's not a world beater and would need to lift another gear to reach his potential. Average rep player and a good club player behind a dominant pack. Lets see how he goes.

All going well injury wise and our young fellas following the same trajectory of improving upon this season the addition of quality troops I'd be very surprised if we're not easily in the 8.

 

[True blue knights]

Gotta keep brock for sure,he will definately be vital next year.just as ponga was kept this year by cowboys,we will need him for finals chances.if ponga gets hurt,watson slips into fullback and brock in,if pearce gets hurt,brock comes in,watson gets hurt brock comes in.lets be honest injuries will happen and brock will be a blessing to have atleast next year anyway.

 

[Still Nutty]

No it isn't.

Pretty sure there will be a specific clause in any contract if there is a cooling period including conditions around waivers.

Nrl standard is 10 days.

Sorry - my bad....too many sherbets and not enough time spent reading what I read

consumer law for unsolicited contracts gives a standard 10 days cooling off (in NSW)....like I said - more reading and interpretation needed and less alcohol involved

other lesson - pay more attention to what Pedge posted

 

[Alex28]

Gold!!

We have royally screwed Manly over with this signing as an added bonus. Just don’t give them Lamb...

God I hope they end up with Hokko...

 

[Byron Knight]

It’s official

http://www.newcastleknights.com.au/news/2017/11/30/knights_sign_mitchel.html

The nib Newcastle Knights are delighted to announce Mitchell Pearce has agreed to a four-year contract.

Pearce joins the Knights from the Sydney Roosters, where he played 238 NRL games. The 28-year-old halfback has also played 17 State of Origin matches.

“This is wonderful news for the Club and for all of our Members and supporters,” General Manager Football Darren Mooney said.

“Mitchell is committed to our Club’s rebuild and wants to be here for the long-term.

“He brings experience and leadership, and without doubt he will complement our young squad.”

Coach Nathan Brown added, “Mitch will play an important role with the development of our young halves and will also be influential in the overall growth of our side.

“Mitch has an exceptional kicking game and is a great competitor.

“He has some big game experience and I know he comes here wanting to be a leader.”

Pearce, who will commence pre-season training on Monday, is excited to join the Club.

“I see a group of guys working hard and on the way up and I want to be part of making this team strong again for the town,” Pearce said.

"I am passionate about helping and leading the young players at the Club.

“From the moment I spoke to Nathan (Brown) and Darren (Mooney) about where the Club is heading, I knew this is where I wanted to be.

“I can’t wait to get stuck in and start with the guys on Monday.”

 

[Joel-22]

http://www.theherald.com.au/story/5092962/still-room-for-brock-johns/?cs=306

Knights legend Andrew Johns says the recruitment of Mitchell Pearce is the “ultimate piece of the jigsaw” and believes the club should build its future around the NSW Origin playmaker and youngster Brock Lamb in the halves.

Pearce shunned offers from both Manly and Cronulla on Thursday to agree to link with Newcastle on a four-year deal worth in excess of $4 million.

It is already being heralded as one of the biggest recruitment coups in the club’s history, rivalling that of the signings of Ben Kennedy and Darius Boyd.

But it has also heightened fears it may ultimately cost the club the signature of local junior Lamb, who is off contract at the end of next season and has already been linked to Manly.

With Pearce’s former Roosters teammate Connor Watson promised first crack at five-eighth by coach Nathan Brown, the concern is Lamb will be forced to bind his time initially next season, raising doubts about him being willing to re-sign.

But Johns is convinced a Pearce-Lamb halves pairing is the way of the future with Watson’s utility value being potentially utilitised elsewhere.

“I think Junior [Pearce] and Lamb will play in the halves and they’ll be a really good combination,” Johns said.

“I can just see them working really well together and Junior will be a great influence for Brock. His game is going to really develop with Junior there.

“Connor Watson is going to be around there somewhere but I still don’t know what his best position is. I don’t know if he is a half, a dummy half, a fullback – I’m not sure. I guess time will tell where best he fits in.”

Johns said Pearce is the perfect fit for Newcastle.

“It is fantastic news for the club and I’m just so happy for all the fans up there [in Newcastle] too,”Johns said.

“The people up there are going to love him. He is a really good fella and I just think he is a great fit for the club. It’s huge news for Newcastle.

“He brings the sort of class the club has been crying out for. He is at that age for a halfback where he is coming into the best stage of his career.

“He just provides that polish and leadership in the halves that they have probably lacked and have only had in bits and pieces with Brock.

Johns, who has spent a lot of time with Pearce because of his role as halves coach at the Roosters over the past few seasons, played down his influence on the halfback agreeing to join the Knights.

“I sent him a text here and there and we had a bit of a chat about it but I’ve been away so I haven’t spoken to him too much,” he said.

“Matty [John’s brother] spoke to him a few times but ultimately, it was always going to be Junior’s decision.”

 

[Joel-22]

God I hope they end up with Hokko...

It'd be a wet dream come true

 

[Caped Crusader]

God I hope they end up with Hokko...

Plz happen

 

[True blue knights]

I have to say it quiet humorous that manly let green go who was great this year and now screwed themselves with no descent replacement in the halves.i think thats really gonna hurt there chances next year.take hodko he will be great for them

 

[AusKnightRKO]

To be fair, Hodko would actually go alright at the Sea Eagles, would have a star studded team around him, and most importantly he won't have to kick.

So he could do some organising and help out in the halves.

 

[Pedge1971]

Sorry - my bad....too many sherbets and not enough time spent reading what I read

consumer law for unsolicited contracts gives a standard 10 days cooling off (in NSW)....like I said - more reading and interpretation needed and less alcohol involved

other lesson - pay more attention to what Pedge posted

Mate, my wife doesnt listen to me. No reason you should lol!

 

[True blue knights]

To be fair, Hodko would actually go alright at the Sea Eagles, would have a star studded team around him, and most importantly he won't have to kick.

So he could do some organising and help out in the halves.

I do honestly like the bloke but he was a good player but with his knees being shot he just hasn't got it in him anymore.never really took on the line and lets be honest he let brock take on all the responsibilty.he confidence is shot,its sad to see but he cant deliver anymore,but i hope i am wrong in saying this.

 

[TooheysNew]

I'd love to see Hodkinson go well wherever he goes. Nothing but respect for the guy.

 

[Mr_Knightside]

Hodko hasn't been the player we hoped he would be but boy he's been a good ambassador for the club. Top notch bloke who doesn't get nearly enough credit for his off field stuff.

 

[Pedge1971]

I do honestly like the bloke but he was a good player but with his knees being shot he just hasn't got it in him anymore.never really took on the line and lets be honest he let brock take on all the responsibilty.he confidence is shot,its sad to see but he cant deliver anymore,but i hope i am wrong in saying this.

I would give Manly Hokko for free to keep Brock here in 2018.

 

[Still Nutty]

http://www.theherald.com.au/story/5092962/still-room-for-brock-johns/?cs=306


......It is already being heralded as one of the biggest recruitment coups in the club’s history, rivalling that of the signings of Ben Kennedy and Darius Boyd.

”

Just LOL at that comment...Geez I hope Pearce is in the Kennedy coup category and not the Boyd coup category

On a separate note - kudos to Andrew and Matty Johns for going into bat for the Knights on this...I've got to believe that if they don't advocate on going to the Knights, Pearce makes a different decision and we miss out.

I've felt that Andrew has somewhat stepped away from his history with us for a long time now and Matty had good reason to feel sleighted (rightly or wrongly) when he got moved on but they have done the club a huge favour by the part they have played in this