Well done to Simpson and Newton getting in there! Wouldn't be surprised to see both these two in the green and gold this season, if they continue their form from last year ...
And another report from The Dominion Post in Wellington, on Buderus and Hagan's visit ... if I wasn't working I would've headed down and checked it out, doh!
And another report from The Dominion Post in Wellington, on Buderus and Hagan's visit ... if I wasn't working I would've headed down and checked it out, doh!
Capital talent impresses Knights
By Fred Woodcock
Happy Knights: Newcastle Knights rugby league captain Danny Buderus and coach Michael Hagan share a joke with local players at Te Whiti Park in Lower Hutt. The Knights were in town for a two-day elite camp.
NEWCASTLE KNIGHTS coach Michael Hagan remained coy, but he will undoubtedly have an eye on a few young rugby league players after his latest visit to Wellington.
Hagan, in his last season with the Knights before moving to Parramatta, and Newcastle skipper Danny Buderus, along with Knights support staff, spent four days in the capital splitting time between the Wellington Bartercard franchise and the Porirua-based North City Vikings club.
The focus was on the two-day elite camp with the Wellington Bartercard Cup, 16s and 18s teams, who were put through their paces as part of Newcastle's continuing relationship with Wellington rugby league.
"It was an excellent camp. The attitude and commitment of the players - and the support for the game - were exceptional," said Hagan, who viewed the relationship more as putting something back into the game than talent-scouting.
"It's a little bit about identifying talent, but more just to touch base, keep an eye on the younger players, and be in a position to give them some one-on-one advice.
"We are quite selective, so they would have to be exceptional players, but the pathway is there and it's good for the game here that we have this relationship."
Wellington coach Paul Bergman was thrilled with the feedback from the Knights, and was hopeful a strong season could see some youngsters head across the Tasman.
"It's great for these young kids to be getting tips from the likes of Danny Buderus, and with hard work and a bit of luck the chances will come."
The Knights also visited Norths for skills sessions. The morning session attracted about 100 young players, and the seniors had a two-hour session in the afternoon.
"We were thrilled with how the day went," Norths chairman Bernie Wood said. "This was our first association with an NRL club and it's something we would like to build on."
Wood, a stalwart of Wellington and New Zealand rugby league, said the fact the Knights were showing an interest in Wellington was great for the game.
"It gives our players a pathway. We've got high expectations for our promising boys, and having the opportunity to train with the Knights is a great starting point."
From: The Dominion Post