The nib Newcastle Knights are blessed with options for 2019.
In the lead-up to the new season, newcastleknights.com.au will look over the depth of the Club and break down the positional options at the disposal of coach Nathan Brown.
This week we take a look at the halfback possibilities.
Mitchell Pearce
Project Pearce
Let's not beat around the bush. Pearce will start 2019 in the No.7.
He is the halfback and captain.
From his Knights debut against Manly in Round 1 where he kicked the winning field goal, Pearce has made it know this team is his.
The 2018 season looked ripe for the picking before the skipper tore his pectoral in Round 7, limiting him to 15 top flight games.
Still, his impact was enormous.
He scored two tries, had 13 try assists, and lead the NRL in average kick metres a game with 413.1.
Despite his limited time on the field, Pearce finish fifth in the Dally M voting and has been selected in Brad Fittler's NSW Blues training squad.
He's a former premiership winner with big game experience and poised for a massive 2019.
Mason Lino
Lino has joined the Knights from the Warriors with 17 NRL games to his name.
He's proven he can match it with the best in the top grade but was stuck as a second-string option in New Zealand which prompted the move to the Knights.
The 24-year-old is a Samoan international with intentions of playing regular NRL.
He's a handy playmaker with a great kicking game and a quality goal kicker.
Lino scored three tries in the eight games he played last season.
Whether he can push his way into the starting side remains to be seen but his versatility could see him secure a place on the bench.
Phoenix Crossland
The Jersey Flegg player with big aspirations.
Born in the 2000, Crossland is improving as a player at a rapid rate.
He played for the Under 18s NSW last season and was promoted from SG Ball to Jersey Flegg at the back end of 2018.
He's a tough playmaker with a great kicking game and has been training with the NRL squad this pre-season.
He's a Newcastle local signed long-term and while an NRL berth in 2019 is unlikely, he's a player to keep an eye on.
