We always have an eye on the future.
Each week the nib Newcastle Knights will identify the best performers from the ISP NSW and Jersey Flegg competitions so the supporters can get a feel for who is consistently performing in the lower grades.
These are the players to keep an eye out for as they climb the ranks or knock on the door for a future NRL debut.
Jirah Momoisea
The backrower played six ISP games last season.
Able to play in the middle or on the edge, the 20-year-old played in the ISP NSW trial match on the weekend but impressed enough to be a late addition to the NRL bench.
He took some fearless carries in the ISP game and played in the second half of the NRL trial.
Momoisea spent the first half of the NRL pre-season training fulltime and has impressed with strong results in the gym.
Pasami Saulo
The 20-year-old forward made his NRL debut last season and is looking to build on that in 2019.
Saulo has enjoyed his first full NRL pre-season without interruption and made big strides in the gym.
Adding size to his frame, Saulo took some tough carries in the ISP NSW trial match, running with leg speed and aggression.
With three NRL games to his name, the prop will be hoping to increase that number this season on the back of consistent performances in Rory Kostjasyn’s ISP NSW side.
Tex Hoy
Hoy is a jack of all trades but has spent the NRL pre-season training at fullback.
He played the second half of the NRL trial match against the Dragons in the No.1 and looked comfortable.
Still eligible for Jersey Flegg next season, Hoy will push for a regular place in the ISP NSW side in 2019.
He was called up to ISP for two games last season.
Starford To'a
To’a has spent the final block of the NRL pre-season training with the fulltime squad.
He featured in the second half of the trial match against St George Illawarra on the weekend and held his own.
An outside back who joined the Knights in 2018 from New Zealand, To’a played fullback in the lower grades but has most recently been playing in the centres.
An Australian Schoolboy, To'a is strong with outstanding footwork and pace.
To’a is signed until the end of 2021.
