2022 Knights Recruitment & Retention Thread

When you look at us, we're in sort of a weird spot with spine depth:

Jayden Brailey
Adam Clune
Jake Clifford
Kalyn Ponga

Chris Randall
Bailey Hodgson
Phoenix Crossland (but now he's some sort of halfback/hooker/lock utility?)
Tex Hoy

Simi Sasagi & Krystian Mapapalangi are listed as five-eighths but maybe seen as outside backs?

Kurt Mann is a pure utility who'll be playing lock.

Doesn't seem crazy to me, based on where we are, to bring talented specialist spine guys into the squad, and then let the card fall where they may. Milford is perfect for this year because he can step in for Clune, Clifford and Ponga if needed, and Pryce can do the same next year while pressing his claim for a permanent spot.

But yeah just because we're (hopefully) signing these guys, doesn't mean anything is promised. Nor should it be. And nor should we stop rotating through prospects after we bring Pryce on board.
 
Sometimes you have to make promises to lure highly rated and sought after players.
Why does someone like Pryce sign for Newcastle to play reserve grade for a few years?
 
Both points of view are right though. If we did get this English kid, it probably would be on the understanding that he's a good shot at being in the top team as long as he trains hard and has a good pre-season. But you also need to stock up on as many prospects as you can, exactly what you said Harvee, the landscapes change constantly in this game. I remember making this argument myself when someone, maybe a year ago, was asking why we would buy a young fullback when we have Hodgson already. You never put all your eggs in one basket, have options and see what trickles out over time.
 
I remember having this argument when Watson was signed.
Half the forum swore black and blue that the club wouldn't promise him first shot in the halves and there was some competition with Lamb.
Until the coach came out and said they definitely promised him first shot.
 
Looking at the contracts the club has a ton of flexibility with the squad.

The only players signed past the end of next year are Brailey, best, gagai and the two safs
 
We were all told the KNIGHTS salary cap was a mess and it would take 3 or 4 years to get it

sorted well it's 2022 move players on or put them on the hill with our supporters, there's know

way we will attract elite plays with some of this current lot.....OUR first coach Alan McMahon had the right recipe FEAR .

 
HarVeeGee13 said:
Doesn’t mean Pryce is guaranteed that jersey. We all thought Ponga would move to 6 this year and Bailey to fullback, that hasn’t happened either.

You get multiple good prospects and the one who demands a jersey, gets it. The rest end up somewhere else. That’s how Melbourne managed to replace the best 9/7/1 combination in the history of the sport, with guys they trained up for years before they got a proper run in first grade.
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Not me ive been saying all along that Ponga should not move to the 6 after the first failed attempt and that i didn't think AOB wanted to move him which he didn't and that Ponga didn't want to move Which he doesn't .
 
slotmachine said:
I remember having this argument when Watson was signed.
Half the forum swore black and blue that the club wouldn't promise him first shot in the halves and there was some competition with Lamb.
Until the coach came out and said they definitely promised him first shot.
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Club was in a bit of a different position then mate.
 
If we got Millford right now I'd see if he was fit enough to play and ease him into the side as bench utility with some specific plays to work on.

It's too late in the pre season to throw out everything we've worked on and throw in a new half.

As he gets up to speed you could look at a starting spot.
 
Suppose he got what he paid for in lawyers and such. If he comes here he needs to really work on his off field stuff. I don't want no youngins hanging around him.
 
Even though i think Millford can be a game changer and $150,000 is a steal im excited to see how Clifford and Clune go, they have looked good so far and i think deserve to start .
Millford for $150,000 is an awesome buy though and it adds depth in the halves , Dang it i was looking forward to a Clune and Clifford combo .
 
Treadly said:
I like the 14 for him. If he kills it he gets to start. If not, stay 14 or crossland gets his spot
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Better to give him a run in reserves, make him earn his spot in firsts, has to have the want to be in firsts, plenty of $150k players play reserves would also give him time to adapt to plays and become familiar with club and players.
 
Cant see AOB changing mid stream on Clune and Clif.

I'd say if Milford comes he will be 14 and halves depth - pretty bloody good one also. Definately a upgrade on Watson.
 
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