Newcastle’s performance over the past three weeks has reconfirmed what we already knew, that their current roster is not at a level to forge any sort of finals challenge.
Following on from a scrappy, drought breaking win over the Tigers, who themselves have struggled in season 2016, the Knights have scored a total of ten points, whilst conceding 117 in games against the Broncos, Sea Eagles and Roosters.
Although they do show fight against the Sea Eagles, the fact that they could not score a single point against the previously rock bottom Roosters provides a more accurate snap shot of where they are at.
The blame game has already started north of Sydney, with some fans calling for Nathan Brown to be removed, while others have noted that he was handed a squad put together by two former coaches.
I want to make it very clear that I do not believe Brown to be, in any way, at fault for the horror start to the season for the Knights.
His appointment was a step in the right direction, but unfortunately came too late for any genuine squad-changing moves to be made.
He has done ok with what he has got, as with all due respect to the Knights roster, they do not look like a squad capable of competing consistently at an NRL level.
Don’t get me wrong, there are some amazingly talented players within the Newcastle ranks, but the drop away from the top players to the other players within the squad is just too large, and there is an over reliance on players who have been rushed into the top grade.
Trent Hodkinson and Jarred Mullen have both played State Of Origin for NSW, with Hodkinson being the incumbent NSW number seven.
Dane Gagai is also a part of the Queensland set up, while Sione Mata’utia has three Kangaroos jumpers to his name. It may seem a while ago know but Uate was once amongst the first outside backs chosen for his state.
Up front, Jeremy Smith has been involved with the Kiwi national side for years, although his incredible career is winding down. Tariq Sims has been touted as a future Origin representative for a few years now.
A career ending injury to former rep prop Kade Snowden has not helped matters, however his form in round one saw him dropped from first grade. Jarrod Mullen’s injury has robbed the side of a genuine strike half, but even with Mullen the Knights could not trouble the Broncos defence.
Despite obvious talent, the Knights need a complete roster overhaul. Nathan Brown has some huge decisions ahead of him, but with a host of off contract players, the Knights look ready to move.
Off contract are (via zero tackle’s player movements page): Cory Denniss, Bryce Donovan, Krys Freeman, Josh King, Tama Koopu, Alex McKinnon, James McManus, Robbie Rochow, Nathan Ross, Daniel Saifiti, Jacob Saifiti, Tariq Sims, Bradie Smith, Jeremy Smith, James Taylor, Tekina Vailea, Paterika Vaivai.
Alex McKinnon’s retirement, as well as the expected retirements of Kade Snowden and Jeremy Smith will enable the Knights room to move. James McManus’s name may also unfortunately join that list. Robbie Rochow has been linked with the Sharks, as has Tariq Sims, so the Knights may enter 2017 with a very different looking pack.
It’s likely that both Saifiti brothers will be re-signed after promising starts to their NRL careers, while Cory Denniss will likely remain in the Knight’s plans despite a rocky debut in the top grade.
Outside of those three, I don’t know a whole lot about the other off contract names, although I wouldn’t be surprised if other contracted players are tapped on the shoulder and urged to look elsewhere.
In terms of players on the open market, there are plenty who Newcastle should be chasing with great vigour.
For the purpose of this, I am more-or-less guessing the Knights available cap space and have considered their circumstances may hamper their efforts to attract certain players.
First and foremost the Knights need to lock in Tariq Sims. Despite is problems with ill-discipline, Sims is a pack leader and should be a mainstay at the club for many years. They need to fight off advances from other clubs for their star players if they hope to attract new stars.
James Segeyaro should be target number one, if rumours of Anthony Griffin’s intent to move him on are correct.
The Knights need a brilliant dummy half who can help guide an expected new look pack around. He will not come cheap, although the Knights will have to take these kind of gambles if they’re to start their run back to finals footy.
Levi is a good prospect but the Knights can play him off the bench.
New recruit Peter Mata’utia is a handy winger, while his brother Sione should revert back to the position that earned him rep selection, on the opposite wing.
Mullen and Hodkinson are obvious, but I believe the club should look to the likes of Hymel Hunt, Brenko Lee, Nathan Davis, Greg Eden or Suliasi Vunivalu to round out their backline.
Dane Gagai has one centre spot locked in for as long as he wants it, although I would end the experiment at fullback and look to the market, as mentioned above.
Hunt or Davis seem the most attainable and would fit right into the side. I’d look to Vunivalu or even the off-contract Josh Mansour as a possible fullback option. Signing Mansour and moving him to fullback would be a huge statement of intent from the Newcastle side.
With Mansour, Mata’utia, Gagai, Hunt/Davis, Mata’utia/Vunivalu across the back, there is suddenly far more strike power for Mullen and Hodkinson to exploit.
As brilliant as Uate has been for the club, I believe a fresh start is needed for both player and club.
As for the forwards, Luke Lewis is by no means assured of a contract extension at the Sharks. The Knights should take advantage of this and offer him a deal before an offer is even tabled in the Shire.
Tom Symonds, Charlie Gubb, Sam Moa and Elijah Taylor are all off contract and would make great additions to the side. A back row of Lewis, Sims and Taylor would surely have teams a little weary of an upcoming fixture against the Knights.
Even the underrated Siosaia Vave is an option considering his hugely improved performances across the start of 2016.
Both Saifiti brothers would battle for a chance to join the aforementioned Levi on the bench with Pauli Pauli and Korbin Sims rounding out a bench with a look to the future.
Ideal Knights 2017 starting 17
- Josh Mansour
- Peter Mata’utia
- Dane Gagai
- Hymel Hunt
- Sione Mata’u
- Jarrod Mullen
- Trent Hodkinson
- Sam Moa
- James Segeyaro
- Tom Symonds
- Luke Lewis
- Tariq Sims
- Elijah Taylor
Interchange - Daniel Saifiti
- Korbin Sims
- Pauli Pauli
- Danny Levi
There is a fair amount of fantasy booking in the above, but an aggressive recruitment drive by the Knights, targeting attainable players, could see a huge turn around for 2017.
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