True News / Club Updates

Q&A with the CEO

Wed 25th January, 12:29PM
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Newcastle Knights CEO Matt Gidley has answered a variety of questions exclusively for Club Members.

Question: You must be disappointed with the news last week regarding Jarrod Mullen?

Matt Gidley: I spoke on behalf of the Club last week in regard to the news that came to light about Jarrod.

It is obviously disappointing on a number of levels and not something we were expecting.

As a Club we will continue our rigorous education programs and continue to employ professionals who have our players’ best interests at heart.

Unfortunately, if a player decides to seek advice from individuals not employed by the Club, then the risks associated with this can become real and significant consequences can transpire.

However, in circumstances such as last week, we will always continue to support a player’s welfare as they manage their challenging circumstances.

Q: What are the Club’s plans in regard to improving team performance?

MG: I think all any Club can realistically strive towards is to genuinely challenge to win a premiership once every decade.

History tells us, that if you look back across the last 15-20 years, from when the salary cap was introduced into our game, this is largely what has transpired.

In order to put your team in the ‘premiership window’ you need to build a cohesive team with a balance of talent, youth and experience, with a recent history of consistently featuring in finals football.

A sprinkle of representative players who can bring further ‘big game experience’ back to their Club team further enhances the likelihood of a team being able to capitalise on their 'premiership window’.

Our Club is now very focused on building a team/Club aligned with the aforementioned philosophy.

Q: So just how will you achieve this?

MG: The Club has now increased the investment into our junior development (Academy) to the highest in the Club’s history.

We hope this investment will deliver a pipeline of talent into our NRL team year-on-year.

Participation levels in our area are amongst the highest in the State.

So in order to capitalise on this competitive advantage we decided to invest in the development of this talent to support the Clubs improvement.

We also know that local players are proud to represent their home town and showcase their talents in front of their family and friends.

Locally developed players also very clearly understand the values of our community and promote them proudly as ambassadors.

In addition to this we will strategically recruit talent into our NRL team to support our local talent.

The signing of Kalyn Ponga is a representation of this philosophy.

The Club is now in a very strong position from a salary cap point of view to enter the market and continue to recruit talent that will improve the squad and the team’s performance.

The Club is in negotiations with targeted players who we believe can improve the team’s performance both in the short and longer term.

The final piece is to then retain this team and build the cohesion over a 3-5-year period and position the team for a legitimate challenge at a premiership.

Q: Is it disappointing to lose a player such as Korbin Sims on the eve of the season? Surely he would have improved the team?

MG: We have always said that we only want players that want to be at the Club.

Our team believes in the direction of the Club and want to play a role in improving the performance of the team.

Others will elect to move on and look for opportunities elsewhere.

Ultimately we will build a team that grows together and is excited about playing, competing and winning in the red and blue and are proud to represent the people of Newcastle.

Q: Is there any further update on Rory Kostjasyn or Pauli Pauli?

MG: Not at this stage.

Both are recovering and will miss the start of the season. Both injuries were sustained from accidents and unfortunately we need to accept this and move forward.

I am confident both Rory and Pauli will still make valuable contributions to our team in the 2017 season despite a disrupted start to the year.

Q: This is a tough period for Members and supporters, are you confident this rebuild will be the last for a while?

MG: The loyalty of our sponsors, Members and supporters is second to none!

We are confident the strategy we have undertaken will deliver improved results in the long term and the ability to challenge for a premiership as discussed earlier.

The investment into our junior academy and the talent this will produce will also prevent any future rebuilds on the scale of the one we are currently working our way through.

I look forward to celebrating with the Club's long-term loyal supporters who have remained committed during this rebuilding phase when this philosophy is realised.

We all look forward to seeing you at our first home game of the season, when we host the Gold Coast Titans at McDonald Jones Stadium on Saturday March 11.


http://www.newcastleknights.com.au/...=1485309384593&camefrom=EMCL_1453231_55896968



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CEO Matt Gidley Q&A


Thu 27th April, 12:08PM


nib Newcastle Knights CEO Matt Gidley answered a wide range of questions this week, exclusively for Members and corporate partners.

Q: Can you please provide an update in regards to the Club’s ownership?

Matt Gidley: The NRL continue to manage the ownership process. Club management will do everything required to assist a sale process in order to achieve a stable, sustainable ownership for the Club. We will keep our Members and supporters informed of any genuine updates in regard to ownership as they arise.

Q: You have mentioned previously the Club’s intention to build a Centre of Excellence, have the plans progressed?

MG: The Club has submitted a final application to secure funding through the NSW National Rugby League Centres of Excellence program. Our final application is a very strong one and we are looking forward to a favourable outcome from this process. We are very confident if successful in this funding process that we can deliver a facility that will provide elite training facilities for elite athletes, support the identification and development of emerging talent and assist in the promotion of meaningful community programs into the Hunter and Regional NSW.

We hope to learn of an outcome regarding funding from the government at some stage in June.

Q: The Under 16s have performed strongly this season, does junior development remain a priority for the Club?

MG: In 2017 we will invest more than ever in our junior development programs. This will continue into the future to ensure that we continue to identify, develop and promote the best junior talent into our NRL team. We have employed five full time staff across coaching, physical development, operations, recruitment and education and welfare in our junior program to ensure our junior talent are given the best opportunity to fulfil their potential as rugby league players.

Our Under 16s are having a great season and we wish the team the very best of luck during the finals.

Q: There is a salary cap in place to maintain an even competition, what could the governing body do to mitigate the current issues relating to TPA’s?

MG: I have no issue whatsoever with our marquee players using their image to maximise their earning capacity through registered third party arrangements. However, I fully understand the frustration many of our Members and supporters have in regard to the influence third party agreements have in our game. I have expressed to the NRL the importance of ensuring that the salary cap value of players in their playing contracts closely resembles the market value of that player. The NRL has the ability to manage this process prior to registering any playing contracts. In my view, it is critical this governance is adopted immediately to ensure the salary cap can remain an effective tool to equalise the distribution of talent.

Q: There is a lot of talk in the media about a host of players the Club is trying to recruit. Are you confident that we will be able to sign the players that you target?

MG: Our Club is very well positioned to enter the player market and recruit players to complement our emerging players and improve the performance of the team. Our Club will continue to be linked with many players who are off contract and that is out of our control. At this stage we have signed Kalyn Ponga for 2018 to be our long term fullback at the Club. We will keep a close eye on the market with a view to bringing in additional players to strengthen our team. Given our playing group has been through a significant change in the last 18 months to revitalise our roster, we will not panic and recruit players we feel are overpriced, are not passionate about playing for our Club and representing our region or do not fit our long term strategy.

Q: What are your recruitment priorities?

MG: Shortly following our 2016 season we set out to strengthen the fullback, half/five-eighth, and front row positions. For various reasons we felt if the right players were available in these positions it would improve the development of the team quickly. We will continue to monitor the player market to add talent and depth to various positions and look forward to keeping our Members and supporters updated.

Q: It is clear the team has improved this season, but are you satisfied with the team’s performance?

MG: The level of commitment and effort from our young team has been fantastic and cannot be questioned. While losing Jarrod Mullen, Jamie Buhrer and Rory Kostjasyn has been a setback, our team needs to continue to compete with the same level of intensity to ensure we are able to convert the narrow losses in recent times to wins.

Final word:

On behalf of the Club, I would also like to acknowledge the exceptional support we have received this year from our Members and corporate partners. I have no doubt we have the best supporters in the game and it is important you understand that your passion will never be taken for granted. We will continue to strive to build a Club that you can be proud of and look forward to repaying your loyalty with inspired performances that reward your support and reflect your commitment.

http://www.newcastleknights.com.au/...dley_answ.html?camefrom=EMCL_1612982_62854041
 
CEO update


Fri 9th June, 04:30PM


nib Newcastle Knights CEO Matt Gidley provided an update for Members and fans at the half way point of season 2017.

Question: How do you look back over the first half of the year across all Club operations?

Matt Gidley: It would be easy to reflect solely on our ladder position now, and we would agree with our fans that it is disappointing.

If we look back at the start of our campaign, we were buoyed by the signing of Kalyn Ponga to a long-term contract that commences in 2018. From there we had the disappointment of losing Jarrod Mullen on the eve of the season and also the loss of key signing Rory Kostjasyn indefinitely to a throat injury. Jamie Buhrer has also been sidelined with an injury that has limited his influence since joining the Club.

We have increased investment into our junior development to ensure we continue to identify, develop and retain the best local talent. Our Harold Matts (Under 16s) team were undefeated minor and major premiers this year. This is a direct indication that the investment will pay dividends for the Club well into the future.

Off the field, we are progressing with our plans for a Centre of Excellence and the NRL continues to work through the ownership of our Club.

The Club continues to punch above its weight in terms of its commercial success. Recent NRL benchmarking data, which compares the commercial performance of all 16 NRL clubs, demonstrated the Newcastle Knights' strengths. Currently the Club is ranked in the top eight for key commercial indicators across our membership, sponsorship, match day and hospitality programs. These are pleasing results and we thank all our partners, corporate supporters, Members and fans for ensuring the sustainability of our Club.

Q: What challenges are you facing in regard to player recruitment?

MG: Recruiting talent into a team that is consistently performing at a high standard is always an easier task. However, this will not discourage our Club in any way. We will continue to pursue the best talent to improve our roster. There will be significant movement in the player market right up until the start of the 2018 season and our Club will be well positioned to capitalise on any opportunities that present themselves. We have the opportunity to sign new players on a daily basis. It is important any player we recruit to the Club is coming for the right reasons.

Q: What positions are your key recruitment targets?

MG: We are looking to recruit further depth, talent and experience into our roster across various positions. Now we have signed Kalyn Ponga in the fullback position we feel recruiting across this criteria will complement the existing and emerging talent within the Club. The player market has been highly active recently with many clubs finalising their rosters for the next three to four years. History shows many significant player transfers have taken place post-season and given the uncertainty with the salary cap, our Club feels there may be opportunities to strengthen the roster right until the start of the 2018 season.

Q: Was Dane Gagai’s decision to play elsewhere next season a setback?

MG: Dane has made a significant contribution to the Club on and off the field since arriving in 2012. It is always disappointing to lose quality people, but we understand his decision. We know he will continue to lead our team this season and help our young squad.

Q: You mentioned the loss of Jarrod Mullen before the season kicked off, how challenging has that been for the Club?

MG: As we have said all along, what has happened with Jarrod has been disappointing. There is no doubt he made a wonderful contribution to the game over many years, and that adds to the disappointment in how he has left our game. We understand it was an error of judgement and he is now paying a heavy price for that mistake. We wish him and his family well for the future.

Q: Can you please provide an update concerning the proposed Centre of Excellence?

MG: The application process is now complete. Our Club has submitted a very strong final application to the State and Federal Government for funding towards a Centre of Excellence. We expect to receive confirmation within the next four weeks on whether we have been able to secure funding and we will inform our Members and supporters at this time. The Club is confident that if successful, we will be able to build an elite training facility that will support the development of rugby league and elite athletes and the delivery of meaningful community programs into Newcastle and Regional NSW.

Q: There is a lot of media speculation around the Club’s ownership, is there anything new to share with Members and fans?

MG: The NRL is still in negotiations with an interested party regarding ownership. The Club’s management will continue to support the sale process to ensure the best long-term ownership for the Club is secured.

Q: Can you explain the current CBA negotiations and what it means from a Club perspective?

MG: The NRL is currently negotiating the next Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) with the Rugby League Players Association (RLPA). The CBA will be the key document that articulates all details regarding the salary cap and various key matters between the clubs, players and the NRL across the 2018-2022 period. The uncertainty regarding the salary cap and pathways structures is far from ideal, but the Club is using the guidance given by the NRL in both areas to ensure we are well positioned across all key areas of the game at the conclusion of the CBA negotiations.

Q: When is the NRL expected to announce the schedule for the final six rounds of the 2017 season?

MG: In previous years, the scheduling of the final six rounds is confirmed in the week leading into or closely following Round 16, and we are working towards that as a timeframe.

Q: Crowds continue to remain solid in Newcastle. What can we look forward to in the second half of the season?

MG: The crowds and support that our team receives is the best in the game. Our supporters are the envy of many clubs and continue to provide inspiration to our young team.

Our current home record for the season to date is two wins and four losses, with some of these games extremely close. We have been in a positon to win every home game so far this year.

We still have six home games to go, culminating in our final home game against the Sharks where will be celebrating the 20-year anniversary of our 1997 grand final victory with many of the players from that team attending the game. We also have the upcoming Voice for Mining Family Day against the Wests Tigers at our next home game on July 2, which will mark our return to McDonald Jones Stadium after a six-week break.

We sincerely appreciate the role the crowd continues to play in motivating our team to perform to their potential and hope to see you at a game soon.


http://www.newcastleknights.com.au/members-only/ceo_update.html?camefrom=EMCL_1688714_66192578
 
The Saifiti's were born to play prop.
It was inevitable that Jacob would have to switch to prop after Daniel was so successful.
Jacob was a decent second row prospect, but they are both future test props if they avoid injury and keep training hard.
 
Really hope we do everything we can to retain these two boys long term, even if they're currently under contract. I personally think Daniel has been our best player so far this season and Jacob probably played his best game for us last week. They should be career Knights, we need to build around them.
 
Matty23 said:
Really hope we do everything we can to retain these two boys long term, even if they're currently under contract. I personally think Daniel has been our best player so far this season and Jacob probably played his best game for us last week. They should be career Knights, we need to build around them.
Click to expand...

They can take offers as of November 1st from other clubs.

I dare say the club is in the process of upgrading them till 2021 atm.
 
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