2025 pre season thread

knights80 said:
Think that might be Bailey Carmichael, front/2nd rower brought over from warriors 2 years ago and played Sg ball & Flegg & bit of first grade for Central Charlestown last year
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Yeah that’s him. Him a big fan of Carmichael, he has the potential to be as good as Hopwood but on more of an impact role. Same body frame and scored some great try’s from lines runs and anger. Haha.

Him having an NRL preseason is great news. Love how many they are getting I there this yr.
 
BTP said:
Yeah that’s him. Him a big fan of Carmichael, he has the potential to be as good as Hopwood but on more of an impact role. Same body frame and scored some great try’s from lines runs and anger. Haha.

Him having an NRL preseason is great news. Love how many they are getting I there this yr.
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I've noticed the props who go on to make grade are he ones with big motors.
Hopwood is 18 and already playing huge minutes and never stops working.
Carmichael is the same age I think and looks just like Hopwood, but only for 20 minutes off the bench.
Not saying Carmichael won't develop a big motor - it took Korbin Sims till he was 20 to start playing big minutes - but the thing that has everyone excited about Hopwood is things like he only needed a 5 minute break in the schoolboys game v PNG, while all the other middles did half his minutes.
 
Saw a thing where someone predicted the breakout player for each club.
They picked Taj Annan for us. I don't know enough about Annan to say they are wrong, but my pick would be Jermaine McEwen or Tyrone Thompson.
 
Billy said:
Saw a thing where someone predicted the breakout player for each club.
They picked Taj Annan for us. I don't know enough about Annan to say they are wrong, but my pick would be Jermaine McEwen or Tyrone Thompson.
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Yeah, I read that too. Definitely felt like they did a half arsed job researching the Knights breakout star. Not sure how fans of other clubs felt.
 
I'd also go Jermaine McEwen. He's packing all the tools needed to have immediate presence and impact in FG. Explosive, strong, fast, skilful and 105kgs and a teenager.

The only problem I see with him is that his profile doesn't fit too well into OBs game strategy. Our edge backrow are usually 80 minute players. So unless McEwen starts (which is unlikely) im unsure where he'll get onto the field. Perhaps he'll be a convert to the middle third? He is kinda prototypical of the modern 13
 
Billy said:
Saw a thing where someone predicted the breakout player for each club.
They picked Taj Annan for us. I don't know enough about Annan to say they are wrong, but my pick would be Jermaine McEwen or Tyrone Thompson.
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Do you have a link to the story?
 
It was a list from Fox Sports a few days ago.

Think McEwen is the safest bet to debut at all based on NRL readiness despite playing a position we’re pretty well stocked for. Would have Annan behind him if only because of the lack of outside back depth, assuming he doesn’t look completely lost. De Courcey & Votano not far behind and could leapfrog him if he struggles with the transition.

Will reserve judgement on Thompson until I’ve seen him take at least 1 rugby league hit up, but have said before I think anyone with expectations for him as a first grader this year are being pretty optimistic if not naive. Also think whether right or wrong the situation with his brother will affect how he’s viewed. If Leo is leaving are the Knights really going to be prioritising a mid-20s player who’s never played league before on a one-year development contract and unlikely to be here beyond it? Common sense says no. Different story if Leo re-signs.
 
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KNIGHTS — Taj Annan

Taj Annan is somewhat of an unknown prospect, with the 21-year-old signing with the Knights from rugby union.

Annan is a Newcastle local, but had been playing his trade for the Queensland Reds in the Super Rugby, playing 12 games of professional rugby union.

He’s been handed a three-year deal, signing on until the end of 2027 in the club’s top 30, such is the wraps Newcastle bosses have on the footballing talent.

Annan can play anywhere in the backline and stands at 193 centimetres tall, shaping as a potential replacement for Dominic Young who was a kicking target in 2023.

“Taj will need time to adjust, but his rugby league background will help this transition into the NRL and we are pleased to bring him home to play for the Knights,” recruitment manager Peter O’Sullivan said.

Once he does adapt to the 13-man code, Annan could become a true NRL star and with players like Krystian Mapapalangi and Enari Tualau departing the club, opportunities could land in his lap.

www.foxsports.com.au

Dogs’ coup in tug-of-war; gun Panther set to fill Gutherson’s shoes: 2025 young gun’s to watch

Dogs’ big coup in tug-of-war; gun Panther to fill Gutho’s shoes: NRL rookies to watch
www.foxsports.com.au www.foxsports.com.au
 
www.newcastleherald.com.au

Emerging from the NRL shadows: Pryce keen to 'prove a point' in 2025

The young Knights player is midway through a two-year deal.
www.newcastleherald.com.au www.newcastleherald.com.au

Article on Will Pryce.
Says he showed up last year a bit injured and a bit overweight and it took time to get used to the pace of training.
He was also moving out of home for the first time, so had a lot going on, on and off the field.
Says he is much more settled and took care to look after his fitness during the time off.
Basically says he is much more ready to get the most out of pre-season and is keen to prove himself.
There is a photo attached to the article which I assume was taken at the end of his debut game where he is giving Scott Dureau a hug with Steve Menzies looking on proudly. Pretty fair cheer squad.
 
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Yeh I forgot he came injuried last year. A full preseason and a year of solid foundation under him might actually make a significant difference. Low key a bit bullish on pryce
 
im interested to see what the plan is for Annan. From what ive seen it doesnt look like his athletically up to nrl standard for an outside back. Given his frame and what ive seen in defense from him i just wonder if they may be looking at him as a backrow option.
 
Kickitoverhere said:
Yeh I forgot he came injuried last year. A full preseason and a year of solid foundation under him might actually make a significant difference. Low key a bit bullish on pryce
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When I think about it, Pryce had a dramatic turnaround in form that started when he debuted and his parents came out to visit. He was much better in firstgrade than he had been in reserve grade, and when he went back to reserves he had his best games of the season.
No reason he can't be even better if he rips into re-season, and he seems keen.
 
EASBay17 said:
im interested to see what the plan is for Annan. From what ive seen it doesnt look like his athletically up to nrl standard for an outside back. Given his frame and what ive seen in defense from him i just wonder if they may be looking at him as a backrow option.
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Given our lack of outside backs and surplus of edge forwards it would surprise me
 
Not a bad draw for both men's and women's
Blokes have a tough run home but if we can start well and build momentum and keep fit we should be fine to finish in a nice spot within the 8

The women I could see regardless of Upton scenario still being top 4

Bring on 2025
 
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