Recruitment And Retention Discussion

frankLauda said:
Hunt should getting game time in right centre in Reggie’s. We have essentially 4 guys fighting it out for that right centre spot.
Hunt, Schiller, McCarthy and Winter. And Seve but I think with his age he is still at least a year off.

Maybe Winter leap frogs them all? But I think another pre-season and consistent FG Hunt will be great. He’ll probably put on some more size also.
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I wouldn’t be opposed to getting Hunt some reps in NSW Cup and giving Winter/McCarthy/Votano a crack at the bench.

Hunt definitely feels a bit more of a solid option to have on the bench. But if Winter/McCarthy/Votano are earmarked for a centre spot next season - I’d like to see them given a run. Give them some things to work on and a bit of a taste of FG. Not a big fan of Willy nilly handing out NRL Games- but if we genuinely see the future in them, it’s worth it.

While I am a little disappointed to farewell Gagai, I understand his desire to play FG still, and the clubs need to transition younger players through. In theory, it would’ve been nice to have him in the squad - at the expense of somebody unlikely to get any FG games (sorry Schiller). Seems like a good mentor, had roots in Newcastle and perhaps could’ve onboarded into coaching in some capacity moving forward.

Anyway, it’s done. Look forward to seeing one of the younger guys step up and make a good go of it.
 
Les Misérables said:
Winter may eventually make that spot his own but as at round 1 next season he surely won't find himself ahead of Hunt.

Winter would need to do some wonderful things in Cup to end the season just to be a shot as Hunt will also be a season more experienced and improved.
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I mean he is starting there now every week. My impression is they think winter is a genuine strike centre.
 
Brad tighe said:
I mean he is starting there now every week. My impression is they think winter is a genuine strike centre.
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And most importantly he has been playing on the right in NSW cup also so getting those reps into him on that side.
Winter didn’t have the best u19 origin but has looked good in his NSW cup games so far.
Think winter definitely would have the running for his spot and Hunt probably more fullback cover and some centre going forward
 
I think Hunt may be the first of the specialist no 18 or 19 players. Kind of how no 14 was a specialist bench spot, now it is 18 or 19. I think his benefit to the knights right now is that he can cover all the backline, and if he comes on he instantly proposes another threat (aerial) that whoever he replaces probably wasn't offering and the opposition hasn't trained for. He is also great cover when our next crop isnt quite ready (I.e winter next year) and we need a fill in for a few weeks. I can see him rarely in nsw cup, because he isn't trying to learn one position, he is our "cover". Our long term prospects can get better reps in cup, while hunt is a professional gap coverer 😃
 
frankLauda said:
I haven’t seen Winter play and has kinda of come out of the blue. Did we pick him last year? So we think he is better than Hunt? Hunt still knew also.
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Winter a local junior from Dudley. Been with us since Matts I think.

He’s had 3 games in Cup and in those 3 games he’s scored 2 tries and 4 assists.

He’s a quality young man and will only improve having regular games in Cup and another Preseason. It might be Hunt starting first next year due to his experience but I do think Winter is much sleeker with ball in hand and a strong defender too.
 
BTP said:
Winter a local junior from Dudley. Been with us since Matts I think.

He’s had 3 games in Cup and in those 3 games he’s scored 2 tries and 4 assists.

He’s a quality young man and will only improve having regular games in Cup and another Preseason. It might be Hunt starting first next year due to his experience but I do think Winter is much sleeker with ball in hand and a strong defender too.
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Yeah he glides across the field, always pushing up in support when he can and is lightning fast, he is going to have a big career.

Votano has been in career best form but he has at fullback, but he certainly has the body to play centre
 
Do you guys thing there is a possibility of someone from within playing on that wing spot that Dom is in on the off chance he does price himself out and go to a higher bidder?
 
Votano tore his hamstring a few weeks into the season and Toohey came out and said he had already been facing an uphill battle to get a new deal here even before that. Don't think there's been anything since then. Last year he said the club was in no rush to lock him down.

Reading between the lines I've never gotten the impression that O'Sullivan has a high opinion on him as a player.
 
mullenmagic said:
Votano tore his hamstring a few weeks into the season and Toohey came out and said he had already been facing an uphill battle to get a new deal here even before that. Don't think there's been anything since then. Last year he said the club was in no rush to lock him down.

Reading between the lines I've never gotten the impression that O'Sullivan has a high opinion on him as a player.
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I've heard whispers that Melbourne might be keen. His brother is already there.
 
Votano keeps playing like he is, he’ll play himself into a contract. He’d behind Sharpe and Hunt as FB replacements but his ball play and confidence has grown immensely from last year.

Would say we don’t have a FB his quality in juniors just yet. Jayson Bishop having his first few games into Flegg and a couple years away. But talent kid with ball in hand
 
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