2016 Harold Matts and SG Ball

axe said:
surprised to see jayden hocking from the BALL side not make the nsw 18s squad , he was by far the teams most consistent forward and i reckon he would have easily made the most linebreaks , he's got size ,good foot work and ball playing ability, i think jones was lucky considering he played a handful of games and wasnt a stand out
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Does he qualify for NSW though? Came to Newcastle from Western Australia by way of New Zealand as a 15yr old.

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Billy said:
I think it's obvious that Jones isn't as fit as he could be yet, but he played for NSW under 18s last year and was close to the best forward.
Even half fit, when he went for a run in our ball side, he was bloody hard to stop, and was up playing the ball in a wink of the eye.
He has been back for a month or so, so he should be getting a bit of fitness now.
He hasn't had a brilliant year this year, but he's been our best for the last couple of years.

6 Knights through to a 27 man squad - Kurtis Dark, Brodie Jones, Brendan O'Hagan, Tom Starling, Brayden Musgrove, Pesami Saulo
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Brodie jones (no relation lol) has had a back injury, hence his slow start to the season. But you are correct as when he is fit and firing is close to the best player his age in the state, he was always going to be included in the NSW side. Biggest asset is that he can play every position on the field and be close to the best at it. Played front row for NSW U16 then a bit of 5/8 or second row for Knights SG ball last year. Best position is second row or lock. Biggest bolters in the side are Musgrove and Saulo. Matt Cooper could probably feel unlucky. Overall the club have done well with Rep numbers.
 
FULLTIME - UNDER 16S NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP

Parramatta Eels - 32
Townsville Blackhawks - 0

FULLTIME - UNDER 18S NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP

Penrith Panthers - 38
Townsville Blackhawks - 28
 
Absolute belting in the 16's.

Think the 18's did well to make a game of it in the 2nd half but just not good enough.

As usual NSW continues to dominate the juniors but we just can't get it right in origin.
 
Junior success shines at Knights

Mon 23rd May, 08:30PM

The success and promise of the Newcastle Knights’ junior talent was celebrated at the 2016 Junior Presentation on Monday night at Wests Mayfield.

The Club’s juniors continued last season’s outstanding success with both the Harold Matthews and SG Ball sides progressing to their respective finals with the Harold Matthews this year earning a spot in the 2016 Grand Final.

The most anticipated accolade of the night, the Brian Carlson Club Andrew Johns Medal was awarded to young talent, Pasami Saulo.

Saulo was a standout performer in the Knights’ SG Ball side and captured attention in 2016 through his immense size and speed and impressive ability to break the line.

Saulo, who progressed from the Harold Matthews team and is contracted to the Club until at least 2018, was also praised for his excellent training ethic and character.

Saulo also took out the SG Ball Excalibur Club Players’ Player and Player of the Year Award.

This year’s awards night also featured the presentation of the second annual Carlson Club Danny Buderus Encouragement Award to 2016 recipient, Teva Mataora.

Mataora played his first year with the Harold Matthews Knights showing extraordinary improvement within the team.

Brother to NRL Knights’ forward Sam Mataora, Teva is tipped by coaching staff to develop into a quality outside back for the Club.

In 2016 Anthony Gleeson coached the Knights’ SG Ball side and Mark Morrissey the Harold Matthews with both teams enjoying strong finishes to their seasons.

The Harold Matthews Player of the Year Award was awarded to Jock Madden with SG Ball Player of the Year jointly received by Tom Starling and Pasami Saulo.

It’s the second year hard-working hooker Tom Starling has been recognised at the Knights Junior Awards after receiving the prestigious Brian Carlson Club Andrew Johns Medal in 2015.

Meanwhile Harold Matthews’ Jock Madden, who hails from Scone, was recognised for developing prosperous combinations while playing a tough, old-school brand of football at five-eighth.

Among the awards night special guests were Newcastle Knights head coach Nathan Brown, assistant coaches Danny Buderus and Mick Potter, current joint-captains Trent Hodkinson, Tariq Sims and Jeremy Smith as well as former Newcastle Knight Clint Newton.

Alex McKinnon, the Newcastle Knights’ junior recruitment manager spoke about the value and importance of the Newcastle Knights maintaining its reputation as a strong development Club.

“It’s important to foster junior talent as the Club is lucky enough to have such a great catchment area,” he said.

“For us to be able to utilise that and develop one of the best junior programs in Australia, it’s really important to look after the players and have the juniors going well.

“It’s something we are committed to as a Club.

“The pathway for juniors is pretty clear. We have a lot of Knights junior playing in first grade at the moment.

“The success of the Knights’ junior system highlights how good the Hunter and wider region is, from all the way to Port Macquarie, and Taree to Tamworth and the Central Coast.

“Making sure we utilise that catchment areas is one of our main goals.”

FULL LIST OF AWARD WINNERS:

Brian Carlson Club Andrew Johns Award - Pasami Saulo
Harold Matthews Player of the Year - Jock Madden
SG Ball Player of the Year - Tom Starling and Pasami Saulo
Danny Buderus Encouragement Award - Teva Mataora
Harold Matthews Coaches Award - Phoenix Crossland
SG Ball Coaches Award - Matt Croker
Harold Matthews Excalibur Club Players’ Player Award - Brock Gardner
SG Ball Excalibur Club Players’ Player Award - Pasami Saulo
Harold Matthews Strength and Encouragement Award- Jack Brown
SG Ball Strength and Encouragement Award- Blake Andrews
Harold Matthews Speed and Agility Award - Cameron Davies
SG Ball Speed and Agility Award - Brayden Musgrove


http://www.newcastleknights.com.au/news/2016/05/23/junior_success_shine.html




 
MOH said:
4 Knights players made the final squad
http://rugbyleagueweek.com.au/blues-name-u18-squad/
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Musgrove might be paying the price for playing on the wing in NYC. He was probably in the extended squad as a forward.

It's a good result - the most players of any club in the team.
I thought Starling had the best game I've ever seen him play this week in NYC - 51 tackles at NYC level, and he led the attack as well. The guy starting at hooker over Starling must be the new Cam Smith.
 
Can someone please explain to me what the Knights are doing wrong in there recruitment or retention of keeping players.? over the last 2 years we have lost players in our catchment area's and kids who were spending time in our development programs and HPU program. Whether there HPU development or Knights chargers players I don't understand how they can slip through there fingers.

Jesse Cronin (Maitland) Part of the knights chargers 2014 - Nsw ccc Captain and rep 2014 - Knights Hpu 2014 - Signed with Parramatta 2014 - Parramatta 2015
Captain and Grandfinal player. 2015 Nsw Pathways player unfortunately didn't make final Nsw origin squad.
(Front row - Lock) 17yeras old

Jacob Snowball (Newcastle) Part of the Knights chargers 2014 and 2015. Missed out on selection for 2016 Harold Matts -Signed with Bulldogs 2016 and played for
Bulldogs throughout the 2016 season
( Front row - 2nd row) 16 years old

Kyle Schneider (Central Coast) Part of the Knights 2014 - 2015 u15s chargers. 2013 - 2014 - 2015 Knights HPU program - Nsw Chs captain 2015 - Signe d with
Parramatta 2015 - Played Parramatta 2016 Harold Matts - Captain Parramatta Matts - Captain Nsw u16s origin
(5/8 - Half - Hooker - Lock) 16 years old

Harry Duggan (Muswellbrook) Group 21 rep player, won country championships in 2015 - was overlooked bye Knights 2015 chargers - Went to the Central coast
development squad looking for an opportunity, Was selected to play CC Centurions - Knights - Parramatta Harold Matts 2016 teams
signed with Parramatta 2016. Winning Nsw Matts GF and National final -was selected in 2016 Nsw origin squad 18th man
(Front row - 2nd row -lock) 16 years old

David Hollis (Wauchope) Part of the Knights HPU 2015 -16 - Knights chargers 2016 - Nsw Chs rep 2016 - Australian school boy u15s 2016 - signed with Parramatta
for 2017 Harold Matts.
(Front row) 15 years old

Charlie Murray (Port Mac) Part of Knights HPU 2015 - 2016 - Knights chargers 2016 - School boy rep - Parramatta 2017 Harold Matts - (5/8 - Half) 15 years old

Logan Humphries (Central coast) Played 2016 Knights Harold matts - 2016 Nsw origin Pathways squad - 2016 Knights HPU - wasn't offered a contract at Knights
Now signed with Manly 2017 - (Fullback - 5/8 - Half - Center) 16 years old

Jerry Gibson (Maitland) Played Knights chargers 2014 - missed out on selection for 2015 Knights Harold Matts - signed with Nth Syd Bears 2015 - Played 2015 Bears
returned to Knights chargers 2016 - (5/8 - Half) 17 years old


Angus Ernst (Maitland) Played Knights chargers 2015 - made Knights 2016 Harold Matts squad - signed with Cronulla Sharks 2016 - Played Sharks Matts 2016
(Half - 5/8) 16 years old)


Here are only a few, I'm sure iv missed a few more. What I'm trying to point out is why are these young kids moving on, going else where, when the club has invested so much into some of them. Are we doing something wrong.? Parramatta the dirty grubs poaching our juniors. We need to do more to keep these kids.

Would like other peoples opinions.
 
Oh mate if I had an answer for you id tell ya. It's so hard to see talent sometimes. A bloke might have a bad day when spotters are watching but then move onto other places and do well. Most of those guys named go in noticed because they don't have to big name or the big calling cards other blokes have. They need to bring in a better junior system so we can keep them here longer and give them the best chance to stay local.
 
It's getting to a point where the Hunter needs another Mathews and Ball team.
It wouldn't be hard to run them out of Cessnock and run the Knights sides out of Newcastle.
 
newy guy29 said:
Can someone please explain to me what the Knights are doing wrong in there recruitment or retention of keeping players.? over the last 2 years we have lost players in our catchment area's and kids who were spending time in our development programs and HPU program. Whether there HPU development or Knights chargers players I don't understand how they can slip through there fingers.

Jesse Cronin (Maitland) Part of the knights chargers 2014 - Nsw ccc Captain and rep 2014 - Knights Hpu 2014 - Signed with Parramatta 2014 - Parramatta 2015
Captain and Grandfinal player. 2015 Nsw Pathways player unfortunately didn't make final Nsw origin squad.
(Front row - Lock) 17yeras old

Jacob Snowball (Newcastle) Part of the Knights chargers 2014 and 2015. Missed out on selection for 2016 Harold Matts -Signed with Bulldogs 2016 and played for
Bulldogs throughout the 2016 season
( Front row - 2nd row) 16 years old

Kyle Schneider (Central Coast) Part of the Knights 2014 - 2015 u15s chargers. 2013 - 2014 - 2015 Knights HPU program - Nsw Chs captain 2015 - Signe d with
Parramatta 2015 - Played Parramatta 2016 Harold Matts - Captain Parramatta Matts - Captain Nsw u16s origin
(5/8 - Half - Hooker - Lock) 16 years old

Harry Duggan (Muswellbrook) Group 21 rep player, won country championships in 2015 - was overlooked bye Knights 2015 chargers - Went to the Central coast
development squad looking for an opportunity, Was selected to play CC Centurions - Knights - Parramatta Harold Matts 2016 teams
signed with Parramatta 2016. Winning Nsw Matts GF and National final -was selected in 2016 Nsw origin squad 18th man
(Front row - 2nd row -lock) 16 years old

David Hollis (Wauchope) Part of the Knights HPU 2015 -16 - Knights chargers 2016 - Nsw Chs rep 2016 - Australian school boy u15s 2016 - signed with Parramatta
for 2017 Harold Matts.
(Front row) 15 years old

Charlie Murray (Port Mac) Part of Knights HPU 2015 - 2016 - Knights chargers 2016 - School boy rep - Parramatta 2017 Harold Matts - (5/8 - Half) 15 years old

Logan Humphries (Central coast) Played 2016 Knights Harold matts - 2016 Nsw origin Pathways squad - 2016 Knights HPU - wasn't offered a contract at Knights
Now signed with Manly 2017 - (Fullback - 5/8 - Half - Center) 16 years old

Jerry Gibson (Maitland) Played Knights chargers 2014 - missed out on selection for 2015 Knights Harold Matts - signed with Nth Syd Bears 2015 - Played 2015 Bears
returned to Knights chargers 2016 - (5/8 - Half) 17 years old


Angus Ernst (Maitland) Played Knights chargers 2015 - made Knights 2016 Harold Matts squad - signed with Cronulla Sharks 2016 - Played Sharks Matts 2016
(Half - 5/8) 16 years old)


Here are only a few, I'm sure iv missed a few more. What I'm trying to point out is why are these young kids moving on, going else where, when the club has invested so much into some of them. Are we doing something wrong.? Parramatta the dirty grubs poaching our juniors. We need to do more to keep these kids.

Would like other peoples opinions.
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Its simple, money is 1 reason they go. The other is the way they are treated by some of the staff. Talk with some of the parents and see what there opinion is of the Knights system you will be surprised on the response.
 
As stated before though our catchment is so big but we only have 1 team. We need to run another Matt's and ball side out of the Hunter valley aswell as Newcastle.
 
danknights said:
As stated before though our catchment is so big but we only have 1 team. We need to run another Matt's and ball side out of the Hunter valley aswell as Newcastle.
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Iunderstand what your all saying re: We need another team, but I think your all missing the point. Of course the Knights cant keep everyone but its obvious the wrong ones are kept and the best ones are going, that list of names has some amazing footballing talent, kids who have been in our system and for what ever reason were let go, some of them have made numerous rep teams (Nsw and Aus) and others have captained teams as well. These kids should of been priority.!
 
Some teams choose to spend their junior development dollars not in developing local structures, but in pinching good players from other areas.

The knights can't complain too much about it though, because we seem to spend a lot on Kiwi, Qld and even WA players.

The frustrating thing about that is that a lot of our best juniors are the kiwi and qld guys, but almost all of them take the first bus out of town when they get to the point of signing a senior contract.

I've said for a long time that we would get a lot of benefits by keeping local guys instead. All the local guys we used would be lifelong Knights fans, and so would be their family and friends, and those that actually made the grade would be more loyal to the local area.
 
newy guy29 said:
Iunderstand what your all saying re: We need another team, but I think your all missing the point. Of course the Knights cant keep everyone but its obvious the wrong ones are kept and the best ones are going, that list of names has some amazing footballing talent, kids who have been in our system and for what ever reason were let go, some of them have made numerous rep teams (Nsw and Aus) and others have captained teams as well. These kids should of been priority.!
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Wrong ones? Hmm I don't really think so. Yeah those guys have made rep teams but look at the saifitis for example. Made no rep sides yet are playing grade. It's hard to pick and choose who will kick on and who won't. Most give up and head to the workforce. It sucks to see so much talent head to Sydney but us as fans can't do sweet fa to change it.
 
Midnight said:
Its simple, money is 1 reason they go. The other is the way they are treated by some of the staff. Talk with some of the parents and see what there opinion is of the Knights system you will be surprised on the response.
Click to expand...

totally agree midnight ,i know of one player in particular whos been part of the system for 4 yrs now and sick and tired of being not given the same treatment or opportunities as some of the so called 'favourites'. this guys been dominating u/19s on the central coast this yearand looks like going to sydney because he has had a gutful
 
axe said:
totally agree midnight ,i know of one player in particular whos been part of the system for 4 yrs now and sick and tired of being not given the same treatment or opportunities as some of the so called 'favourites'. this guys been dominating u/19s on the central coast this yearand looks like going to sydney because he has had a gutful
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Same here. For many years the number of negatives I hear from juniors and parents about our "system" far outweigh the positive. Granted there might be the odd case of sour grapes but they're in the minority.
 
It's a game of favouritism really. Family names get chosen first and then names of guys that have been there before and then the half talented get a run but are usually overlooked at squad selection.
 
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