Knights lose another star
By Steve Mascord
September 15, 2006
NEWCASTLE players are resigned to being without workaholic Steve Simpson for tomorrow night's elimination final against Brisbane.
As the Broncos flew into Sydney last night, the Knights felt the full force of losing a second Australia star in as many days after hooker Danny Buderus's suspension on Wednesday.
"Simmo's another big loss. He's so effective for us, he's one of the most dominant back rowers in the competition," centre Matt Gidley, who will replace Simpson as acting captain, said.
"It's disappointing to not have him there but we've got some depth, most of our guys are injury free so we've got some back-rowers who can step up."
With Andrew Johns and Buderus quarantined from talking to referees after run-ins at the end of the regular season, Simpson took the toss and negotiated match officials last week.
Now those tasks will fall to Knights stalwart Gidley.
"The whole captaincy thing, I think that will look after itself," he said.
While Johns is still officially captain, referees coach Robert Finch said: "As far as we're concerned, whoever comes to the toss is the captain."
That will be Gidley.
Newcastle is, meanwhile, confident of overcoming the loss of Buderus to suspension.
