Toohey's News

The Knights statement on David Armstrong. The Knights “will not stand in the way of David Armstrong accepting an offer to join the Leigh Leopards at the end of the season”.

www.newcastleknights.com.au

Club Statement: David Armstrong

The nib Newcastle Knights have decided they will not stand in the way of David Armstrong accepting an offer to join the Leigh Leopards at the end of the 2024 season.
www.newcastleknights.com.au www.newcastleknights.com.au
 
MBQLD said:
It sucks we can’t keep him but we can’t keep them all.

What’s everyone’s thoughts on where Schiller ends up? I know he wants centre but with Dane signing on for two more years what does that mean? 🤔
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Think we might see Gags on wing if Schiller proves the goods, might take half of 2025
 
Lefty said:
The Knights statement on David Armstrong. The Knights “will not stand in the way of David Armstrong accepting an offer to join the Leigh Leopards at the end of the season”.

www.newcastleknights.com.au

Club Statement: David Armstrong

The nib Newcastle Knights have decided they will not stand in the way of David Armstrong accepting an offer to join the Leigh Leopards at the end of the 2024 season.
www.newcastleknights.com.au www.newcastleknights.com.au
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Best thing for him and the club I would say, we cannot hold a top 30 spot for a 3rd string fullback.
 
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Lefty said:
It just sounds to me like Armstrong agreed to sign with us and then got a better offer from Leigh.
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To be fair, Armstrong is genuinely a 'bush' kid who just loves his footy and was happy that he got the initial offer/opportunity from the Knights and was caught out by getting the ESL offer to weigh up as well.

I've also got to assume that his management has been a little under par in controlling the narrative and helping him manage all this.

At the end of the day, I think the Knights have done the right thing (for both him and the club) and I believe he has chosen the right option for all concerned (especially him).

It will be interesting to see how well he adapts to ESL, but I can genuinely see him being a bit of a cult figure in years to come...and good luck to him
 
Still_Nutty said:
To be fair, Armstrong is genuinely a 'bush' kid who just loves his footy and was happy that he got the initial offer/opportunity from the Knights and was caught out by getting the ESL offer to weigh up as well.

I've also got to assume that his management has been a little under par in controlling the narrative and helping him manage all this.

At the end of the day, I think the Knights have done the right thing (for both him and the club) and I believe he has chosen the right option for all concerned (especially him).

It will be interesting to see how well he adapts to ESL, but I can genuinely see him being a bit of a cult figure in years to come...and good luck to him
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Well said. Great player. Loved watching him at Magic Round. Quick! Good luck to the young fella
 
Frank McWilliams said:
Think Armstrong decided on staying while playing f/b for those 4 weeks, later he realised he is No.3 so decided to move on, makes sense to me
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Re a few of the comments about Armstrong. You couldn't be more wrong with your innuendo and carry on. This isn't about a kid with the dirts at being dropped. David Armstrong is a decent and honourable lad, from what I can make of him, he was offered well above his Knights fee last year and said no. Again rhis year he was approached, and said no. Then when he played FG and was the reason we won games that wouldn't have been won without him ( in my humble and "accute" mind) the offer was increased. I guess than realising others were to be chosen above him he chose to play at higher level than would be offered here and a huge pay day to boot. I acknowledge the Knights offer for the future being some recognition of his ability but feel we will rue the day we let him go.
 
BFC said:
Re a few of the comments about Armstrong. You couldn't be more wrong with your innuendo and carry on. This isn't about a kid with the dirts at being dropped. David Armstrong is a decent and honourable lad, from what I can make of him, he was offered well above his Knights fee last year and said no. Again rhis year he was approached, and said no. Then when he played FG and was the reason we won games that wouldn't have been won without him ( in my humble and "accute" mind) the offer was increased. I guess than realising others were to be chosen above him he chose to play at higher level than would be offered here and a huge pay day to boot. I acknowledge the Knights offer for the future being some recognition of his ability but feel we will rue the day we let him go.
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“Apparently” Armstrong was told he could play for a wing spot as he was 3rd in line for a fullback spot. Knights made him the best offer they could for that role, there was a verbal agreement and Leigh came in with much more money, the chance to see the other side of the world, be treated like an absolute rockstar and be the first choice in his preferred position.

If that’s true and by all accounts seems to be pretty close to it then he made the right decision. It’s not some imagined bogeyman coming in and pulling the rug out from under him, it’s not about bully’s and Chinese whispers, it’s just business and with no hard feelings. He has to do what’s right for him, just as Knights can’t find extra positions and money to accommodate him. Be great if they could, but it’s impossible so it’s already time to move on.
 
BFC said:
Re a few of the comments about Armstrong. You couldn't be more wrong with your innuendo and carry on. This isn't about a kid with the dirts at being dropped. David Armstrong is a decent and honourable lad, from what I can make of him, he was offered well above his Knights fee last year and said no. Again rhis year he was approached, and said no. Then when he played FG and was the reason we won games that wouldn't have been won without him ( in my humble and "accute" mind) the offer was increased. I guess than realising others were to be chosen above him he chose to play at higher level than would be offered here and a huge pay day to boot. I acknowledge the Knights offer for the future being some recognition of his ability but feel we will rue the day we let him go.
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Innuendo, carry on, kid with the dirts, I have no doubts he is a decent and honourable lad, my point was circumstances changed and he took his better option, wish him well
 
Junior_rep said:
Talk is Knights offered him a minimum wage. It just wasn’t a competitive offer compared to what UK offered.
Credit it to him he took the UK deal and will go over there as a marquee and first choice.
Id rather be a marquee player in UK then play in and out NRL
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Zero begrudging towards Davey or the club. A lot of what if's with Davey if he'd be successful here next yr. Like I said earlier hope the talk between club and himself is "come to us when you're ready to come home".

It does provide a better trajectory for likes of McCarthy and Latu and prob the require emnt to hold onto MAps and Enari.

McCarthy is next up if Enari and Maps aren't available. Latu I'm hoping with prove to be a big mover in 1-2 years along with Votano.
 
It sounds like Armstrong hasn't actually signed anything yet.
I hope an NRL team that needs a fullback or one of the top ESL teams comes in with a late offer.
I think he could do better than one of the bottom ESL teams.
We don't need him because we suddenly have great fullbacks lined up around the block, but surely his new manager can find him a better offer.
 
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