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Kurt’s Call: The next Knights debutant in line for NRL start

Who will be the next player to debut for the nib Newcastle Knights?

Nick Meaney was named player 298 in the history of the Club last week when he ran out onto the NRL field for the first time, and at least one more debutant is expected before the season is out.

Running through candidates in line for a start in first grade on the latest edition of Kurt's Call, former Knights skipper Kurt Gidley believes the newest recruit is the most likely.

"JJ Felise, a recent signing before June 30, is probably the most sensible option there that we could keep an eye on in our reggies team," Gidley said.

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"He's played a few games for the Wests Tigers.

"I like his explosiveness, his leg drive, his leg power and I think that's something that all teams like to have, off the bench, certainly."

At 22, Felise has a wealth of potential.

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The Queensland product made his NRL debut for the Tigers back in 2016 where he played 13 games over two seasons before stalling in reserve grade.

It was this crossroads which led him to the Knights.

Gidley has been reminded of a former Knight when watching Felise in action during the ISP competition.


"If I think about that, one of the names that comes to mind that I used to love playing with is a Richie Fa'aoso," Gidley continued.

"He's a really good fella, Richie.

"He wasn't built huge. He was built more like a block. He's built low to the ground and I used to love seeing Richie come off the back fence, whether it was kick-offs or drop-outs. He brought something to the team.

"There was only so many times he could do that in a short period of time. I love seeing those type of guys, the cannon balls that are explosive and powerful. They're a nice little weapon to have off the bench and I'm hoping JJ can be ours."