Must have something about him to do what he’s done at a young age.
I really do wish we would announce longer deals for knowles and Bentley though.
Must have something about him to do what he’s done at a young age.
I really do wish we would announce longer deals for knowles and Bentley though.
I'm not sure if we have reserves next year but I doubt it as the Yorkshire lot will be pleading poverty.
The lad can shift a bit. Sammy the rat couldn't catch him.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wTEkSw_XhJM
Yeah, that sounds a good idea to me. I think someone mentioned a pay as you go type ticket which would be a good idea and would suit me down to the ground. Work it with a sliding scale discount, 10 games - 10%, 5 games - 5% and so forth. It gets money in the coffers and less binding than a normal ST.
I really hope we land Mata'utia, often a player I have watched when I have seen Newcastle play, and thought 'I'd love him at Saints', so this would be a cracking signing!
No reserves or dual reg next season according the the League Express a few weeks back.
Why won’t he be as quick? He’s only 24 unless you know something about him I don’t.
He will play back row for saints competing with Bentley and Thompson for a start. Or replace Percy if he never recovers. Can adequately do both roles with ease. Good signing by the club and a good age for an overseas player.
You'd have to say Thompson will start and Bentley doesn't deserve not to start given his performances this season however this lad isn't going to want to sit on the bench all season although I can see him playing centre a fair bit. To be honest it wouldn't bother me if he replaced Naiqama, he's been rubbish most of the season.
I don't get the dislike for Naiqama. He does fly out of the line sometimes but he usually gets it right, and I think he's given us much more left/right balance in attack since he arrived.
Just had a quick look on the Newcastle knights forum and their fans appear happy he’s going.
This taken from a couple of posts
‘Thank gosh we are finally rid of Sione and the last of the Tinkler era! Kid who's an incredible human being and gave a 1000%, but for one reason or another never kicked on, he'll probably ace it in the ESL. Surely with his $400k we can bring in another first grader‘.
‘I think changing body shape to become a backrower cost him power. He was never express pace, but he was a powerful natural footballer. I think the two things that made him a bit special were taken away from him. Ironically, with his old body shape and natural ability, he'd probably make a good 13 under the current rules now.’
Seems like the classic centre/second row issue. Luckily age is on his side and we have time to mould him how we want. Similar with Soliola and look how he turned out. He’s certainly got the ability and had the potential given he was the youngest ever player for Australia. I’ve not seen much of him but on paper it looks like he could become a good signing. Maybe he’ll replace Naiqama at centre at some point in the future or will battle it with Bentley and Thompson for a starting spot at SR.