Smith and Salkeld - done deal

[Nuffy]

Salkeld and Smith Re-Sign



Thursday, August 04, 2005 - Newcastle Knights

http://dgmaustralia.com/m/FoxtelGoldAU/b.asp?A=30775&I=21452&C=spctpg1 In a further boost to the Newcastle Knights, the club has today announced that veteran prop Craig Smith, and the club’s leading try-scorer Trent Salkeld, have both agreed to terms for one and two years respectively.

Smith, a former Dragon and Widnes star, has been in outstanding form for the club this year in what was to be his final season in the NRL.

Speaking today he said the lifestyle and camaraderie at the club provided enough motivation to see him strap the boots on one last time.

“When the opportunity to play for the Knights came up at the start of the year, I was very chuffed and realised this was a pretty special opportunity,” he said.

“As it turns out, I could not have enjoyed myself any more than I have this year.”

“Despite a lack of results early in the season, being at a club full of young players has rekindled my enthusiasm for the game.”

“I’ve also had the opportunity to play a senior role with some of the younger forwards and I know Michael Hagan is keen for me to continue in that role next year.”

The signing of Salkeld, who two seasons ago was playing with Western Suburbs in the Newcastle competition, caps a meteoric rise for the youngster.

The flying winger has scored nine tries in only twelve appearances this season and looks set for a big future in the game.

 

[~bedsy~]

Fantastic.

 

[perverse]

things just get better and better for us next year, i can feel a bit of a buzz about it.

 

[Jobdog]

Keep the signings coming. As I have said previously, if we can keep the majority of our players on the park for next year, we are going to once again give this competition an almighty shake. We are going to have a combination of youth and experience in our side for next year, its really starting to look good. The forwards especially are going to be very strong, and our backline is starting to have a look of potency about it.

Hopefully Hages has pleasant selection headaches next year, with who to leave out, not who to bring up, which has been the case for the last 2 and a half-3 years.

 

[Yowie]

Salkeld and Smith Re-Sign



Thursday, August 04, 2005 - Newcastle Knights

In a further boost to the Newcastle Knights, the club has today announced that veteran prop Craig Smith, and the club’s leading try-scorer Trent Salkeld, have both agreed to terms for one and two years respectively.

Great stuff. Losing those 11 games has turned out being the best thing to happen to the club. It put the club under intense media scrutinty which in turn had two benefits.

Firstly it prompted management to pull their fingers out.

Secondly it prompted community support & spirit towards the Knights from all corners leading to many sponsorship deals to SAVE THE KNIGHTS.

I just hope managment just dont slip back into their compacency and push on with the Wests joint venture.

Hopefully within the next few years you can rebuild and get that winning feeling back for good. (fingers crossed for Joey to stay injury free)

 

[knights97]

An interesting thought though. If the Knights Administrators knew that Smith was resigning a while ago, would they have signed Davico??

 

[antonius]

I'm pleased to see Salkeld signed. I've been pushing his barrow for a couple of years now, and while he still has some defensive issues, the try scoring ability, and in particular his ability under the ball have shown out this season. He was basically shoved into first grade to plug a hole in a losing team, he's done that, and scored some tries along the way. He will only improve in a better climate next year. Smith has been the best thing to come out of a very dissapointing year, lets hope next year will see him reap a few more wins with the club.

 

[CJG 182]

Has anything been confirmed about Lowrie resigning? I thought i saw something on it the other day... :?

 

[CycloneSteve]

Salked is our top try scorer with only 9 tries?!?!? Holy crap, either its been a very much shared experience (and everyone has got around that number) or we just plain sucked in the try scoring stakes this year

 

[Jobdog]

Steve, as much as it pains me to say it, we've just plain sucked in the try-scoring stakes this year. Only in the last 6 weeks have we managed to score over 20 points, which has coincided with Joey's return to form.

 

[Doctor]

Steve, as much as it pains me to say it, we've just plain sucked in the try-scoring stakes this year. Only in the last 6 weeks have we managed to score over 20 points, which has coincided with Joey's return to form.

On the other hand, in recent weeks we have seen a much-improved defence. The combination of scoring plenty of points, and having a tough defence, is enough to keep you in 90% of games.

Re: the signings. Smith's signing is positive news. He has been part of the reason that this year might actually be good in the long run. A fresh face, with some enthusiasm (despite old legs) actually turned out to be much more effective than young spongecakes. Smith, ironically, was one player who kept himself injury-free.

Salkeld's is a good move too -- he knows how to find the try line. I only hope that he doesn't become another George Carmont: effective for one year, but exposed in his second year for the defensive liability that he is. At least we're not paying Salkeld anywhere near as much as Carmont.

 

[Ron Burgundy]

its good that Smith resigned he is the Mr Reliable for the Knights this year

 

[Master Vippo]

Anybody know around about how much we are paying for them?