It has been a busy week for Newcastle Knights’ new recruit Brendan Elliot who on Wednesday signed with the club before beginning preparation to take the field on Saturday against the New Zealand Warriors.
Elliot was released from the Sydney Roosters, where he played 14 first grade games, and is expected to take his place at left centre as a replacement for injured Nathan Ross (calf).
“It all happened quite quickly. I’m just excited to be up here now and playing on the weekend,” he said on Friday after the team’s final training run.
“I’m keen to get out there on the field.”
22-year-old Elliot was thrilled by the prospect of joining a Club where the progression and development of young players is at the top of the agenda.
“It’s a great opportunity (Nathan) Browny and the Knights have offered me and I’m here to take it,” he said.
“Although it’s only 18 months (contract), I’m looking forward to bigger and better things after the 18 months.
“I’ve played a couple of games now and feel like I’m ready to step up to the first grade level.
“That’s why I’m up here, to be playing first grade.”
The whirlwind week has involved meeting and getting to know his new teammates with the transition to Newcastle made easier by the fact he has family based in the area.
“Coming into the week here, all the boys are happy and there’s a great vibe here,” he said.
“I’m happy to be here.”
His goal is to cement a spot in the NRL side.
“I got a crack at the start of the year (with the Roosters) and don’t think I showed my full potential,” he said.
“I went back to at Wyong and played a couple of good games here and now I’m keen to take up this opportunity here.”
The Runaway Bay junior hopes for a smooth transition on Saturday with coach Nathan Brown’s message to him being to take a calm approach ahead of his Club debut.
“He said go out there do your thing…be confident and go out there with no stress," Elliot said.
“It’s quite overwhelming to be honest to come up here and go straight into the starting side, but I’m very excited and can’t wait to get out there.”
Elliot believes communication will be the key against the Warriors, especially with many of the Knights players still building experience on the NRL stage.
“It’s quite a young side. On the left side, I’m 22 and the boys inside me and outside me are 18-years-old,” he said.
“We need to keep that talk up and make sure it’s consistent throughout the whole game.
“They are all strong players so we need to keep that talk up and defend well.”
Be at Hunter Stadium this Saturday, gates open at 10.30am with all three grades in action.
