2025 pre season thread

[Billy]

I tried to start the yearly pre-season thread a few weeks ago, but put it in the wrong section and it went to hell as a thread.

The only real news so far is that Tyrone Thompson will be there on day 1, which, according to Leo, is November 1st.

The guys I hope are in the early squad.

1 Fletcher Hunt
2 Sosia Latu
3 Kyle McCarthy
4 Connor Votano
5 Hayden Sutton
6 Liam Sutton
7 Jye Linnane
8 Tyrone Thompson
9 Matt Arthur
10 Zeb Sua
11 Jermaine McKewn
12 Elijah S/L
13 Tom Cant

14 Jacob Davis
15 Paul Bryan
16 Cody Hopwood
17 Jack Hilliar
18 Wilson De Courcey
19 Malachi Smith
20 Haami Loza
21 Brock Greacen

 

[Billy]

Merewether junior trades Super Rugby for NRL shot with Knights

A Newcastle rugby prodigy sets sights on code switch

www.newcastleherald.com.au

Says 21 year old Rugby Utility Taj Annan has been signed by O'Sullivan to a top 30 contract. He is a Mereweather local and has played 5 games for Qld Reds this year and can play anywhere from 1 to 6.
Says he has requested an early release from the Reds to start training in November.

 

[Billy]

Annan's Rugby profile says 193cm and 100kg - same height and a bit heavier than Kyle McCarthy.

Annan - 21 - 193cm 100kg
McCarthy - 20 - 193cm 95kg
Schiller - 23 - 190cm 95kg
Bradman - 23 - 182 cm 103kg
Gags - 33 - 182cm 92kg

 

[HarVeeGee13]

That’s a big boy.

 

[Thieves Like Us]

Has there been any news on how Linnane is recovering from his ACL injury?

 

[Billy]

So pretty much confirmed for Nov 1st

Taj Annan
Jermaine McKewn
Cody Hopwood
Connor Votano
Tyronne Thompson

 

[EASBay17]

Was there ever an actual announcement for tyronne?

 

[Billy]

Was there ever an actual announcement for tyronne?

Yes, but I can't remember when.
Leo did a whole interview about what he is doing to prepare and how he'll be here and be ready on Nov 1.
He said his job was to translate League speak to Union speak, which is what he found hardest at first.

 

[mullenmagic]

There was never an official announcement for Tyrone but that's not unusual for development players. As noted above club officials and Leo have been openly talking about it for a while so it's been confirmed in that way.

Still no announcements for Schiller & Arthur is what I find strange, but don't think it's a cause for concern.

 

[BTP]

There was never an official announcement for Tyrone but that's not unusual for development players. As noted above club officials and Leo have been openly talking about it for a while so it's been confirmed in that way.

Still no announcements for Schiller & Arthur is what I find strange, but don't think it's a cause for concern.

Seen Pacific Sport Management (PSM) announce on social with photos in Knights gear of Schiller and Arthur. Pretty much lock that in a signing announcements these days.

 

[Celticman98]

There was never an official announcement for Tyrone but that's not unusual for development players. As noted above club officials and Leo have been openly talking about it for a while so it's been confirmed in that way.

Still no announcements for Schiller & Arthur is what I find strange, but don't think it's a cause for concern.

Voldemort never got officially announced for the Roosters.

 

[mullenmagic]

Yeah happens a bit, don't think there's anything deeper to it as I said

 

[MattyM]

Seen Pacific Sport Management (PSM) announce on social with photos in Knights gear of Schiller and Arthur. Pretty much lock that in a signing announcements these days.

Didn’t find posts of either player.

Titan Sports Management posted contract news of Schiller back in May but that’s all the confirmation we’re probably gonna get.

 

[Billy]

So Ponga says he will train from session 1.
I think he did that a few years ago, but was able to because he had missed the end of the previous year.
So by first session he probably means when the firstgraders return in December - but it would be great if he mixes it with the young guys from Nov 1.

Kalyn has made this decision to ensure his sole focus is on an uninterrupted preseason, aiming towards starting the preparation for the 2025 National Rugby League Premiership season from the first session with his Club.

 

[Roundtable]

So Ponga says he will train from session 1.
I think he did that a few years ago, but was able to because he had missed the end of the previous year.
So by first session he probably means when the firstgraders return in December - but it would be great if he mixes it with the young guys from Nov 1.

Love this. Amazing news

 

[Mclovin]

With Ponga coming back early I really hope others follow his lead! Really love seeing this from our captain

 

[jamesgould]

With Ponga coming back early I really hope others follow his lead! Really love seeing this from our captain

Hope not, going to be a great moment seeing Crossland pull on the Kiwis jersey.

Plenty of other test chances as well, Frizell, Marzhew, Gagai, Best, KPP and Leo all somewhere between chances and certainties.

 

[Mclovin]

Hope not, going to be a great moment seeing Crossland pull on the Kiwis jersey.

Plenty of other test chances as well, Frizell, Marzhew, Gagai, Best, KPP and Leo all somewhere between chances and certainties.

Oh absolutely, go get em Crossland!
I more meant those who will be available to do so

 

[Billy]

I seem to remember last year there were a few mentions that players were free to use the centre of excellence facilities in the off season.
The club can't ask players to train during the break, but articles said things like O'Brien came in to start planning for pre-season and half the squad were in the gym.
Before we had the centre of excellence guys would have to make their own arrangements to train, but now they can just show up and use the gym - if they want of course.

 

[Billy]

If Marzhew shows up unfit it might make the wing spot interesting.
Schiller, Annan, McCarthy, Sharpe and Marzhew - 5 guys and 2 spots available - 4 of them young and keen to earn a spot, and 1 of them a known lazy trainer.