2020 Pre Season and Trial Games

They aren’t in order. The lists are just compiled from people at Knights HQ, not the coaching staff. Don’t take them so literally.

But, it’s nice to have options for once.
 
Billy said:
They all seem to have the most likely at the top and least likely at the bottom.
Most of them seem about in the right order.
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Like having 2 players who haven't played first grade in Fermor and Jones above Guerra who has played for his state and country?
 
The new BTP episode is a good watch. Not sure how his recovery is going specifically, but Scott Dureau looks a lot healthier and lively in the video which is fantastic to see.
 
Dureau was supposed to be working mostly with the juniors and Kostjasyn with the seniors, but every bit of footage I've seen hasn't really had Kostjasyn and Dureau seems to be O'Brien's shadow.
 
Surely if he played 1st grade most of season with little or no injuries and played well and strong a contract would be deserved but not long term due to past record, 1 + 1 maybe.
 
Frank McWilliams said:
Surely if he played 1st grade most of season with little or no injuries and played well and strong a contract would be deserved but not long term due to past record, 1 + 1 maybe.
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What was his contract.... 330k? Maybe a 1 year 250k extension if he goes alright this year.
 
The best outcome would be Moga playing the house down to bump up his value, and us letting him go to another club. Win/win/win.
 
luke46 said:
What was his contract.... 330k? Maybe a 1 year 250k extension if he goes alright this year.
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I believe it was $380k, although he copped a big fine last year and a lot depends on his health this season.

Billy said:
https://www.newcastleherald.com.au/...ady-to-show-knights-his-true-colours/?cs=2503

article about Moga being ready and keen to play his best football.
It mentions that he'd be keen to sign for Newcastle again and wants to impress the coach.
I suppose I'm the only one cynical enough to be reminded of how Wes Naiqama managed to play like a world beater every time he was up for a new contract.
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Was thinking the same thing re: Wes
 
If Moga can stay injury free and plays his best footy , we don't have a centre as good as him BUT he has to stay injury free .
If he does I don't think Obrien will be able to not pick him , At his best he is a beast on the field .
 
Billy said:
https://www.nrl.com/news/2020/01/19/knights-spine-eager-for-continuity/

Pearce, Mann and Ponga all talking about training in one position and stability in the spine this year, and Watson saying he is training at 13 and 9 to be an impact player, but also keeping his options open to cover other spine roles if needed.
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The only way I can see Watson slotting in at lock is to play as a 2nd hooker to tandem with Brailey in situations where we have the other team on the back foot or at the back end of the match.

I'm a bit surprised that's where he's looking, perhaps it's an indication he's accepting he's best coming off the bench as a super-sub.
 
Wobbles said:
The only way I can see Watson slotting in at lock is to play as a 2nd hooker to tandem with Brailey in situations where we have the other team on the back foot or at the back end of the match.

I'm a bit surprised that's where he's looking, perhaps it's an indication he's accepting he's best coming off the bench as a super-sub.
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I think the idea is for him to come on a lock when the opposition is tired. It sounds like he will defend a lock but play like a second fullback in attack and just follow the ball carrier waiting for an offload and some space.
 
krustykraz said:
I think the idea is for him to come on a lock when the opposition is tired. It sounds like he will defend a lock but play like a second fullback in attack and just follow the ball carrier waiting for an offload and some space.
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All indications are we are going to move towards a more mobile lock ( Ala CMurray/Victor), which is fine for attacking phases but really where defense is concerned and you have options like Barnett, Glasby, Guerra, even Esse who have shown they are battle hardened and defensively competent you need to think twice. I am not casting aspersions on Connors ability it just the intensity and frequency of the contest will bear a toll.

In saying that it will put an even bigger emphasis on whomever is selected in the 2nd row position/rotation to be a proven , consistent , solid toiler with great communication Skills, anticipation and choice selection to hold the edge together and there by release some of traffic which turned a few into turnstyles in seasons past.
 
In the photos of today's training, the unmistakable man bun of Baydon Searle in one of the backgrounds.
I didn't think he'd survive the cut after Christmas.
He would have arrived at the club about this time last year from Dubbo.
It's been a big year for the 19 year old.
 
Couple of interviews with the development players.

https://www.newcastleknights.com.au/news/2020/01/21/jirah-my-story-pearce-influence-and-2020-goals/
Jirah talks about his limited League experience and how O'Brien has decided to move him from prop to second row.

https://www.newcastleknights.com.au/news/2020/01/21/croker-mentors-trials-and-junior-rep-experience/
Matt Croker talks about trying to keep up with the older guys. He comes across as a smart and well spoken guy and very humble. I'm not surprized - he is a very smart player and a real team player as well.
 
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