We always have an eye on the future.
Each week the nib Newcastle Knights will identify the best performers from the Canterbury Cup 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.
LUKE HUTH
The Jersey Flegg No.9 was a standout in a beaten side on the weekend.
The hooker joined the NRL squad for an eight-week block of fulltime pre-season training and continues to use that experience and grow as a player.
According to Flegg coach Scott Dureau, Huth has a bright future.
“He tried his backside off in a team that had to do a lot of defence," Dureau said.
“He did eight weeks with NRL and then came back to Cup and 20s training and did really well.
“We’ve been trying to push him out to 80 minutes and that’s the first time he’s played a full game for us.”
Phoenix Crossland
The 18-year-old is becoming a regular on the rookie report.
The junior Origin star, who has signed with the Knights until 2021, is really starting to find his groove and cement down that five eighth position in the Knights Canterbury Cup side.
On the weekend, Crossland combined well with Mason Lino in the halves, particularly in the first 40 minutes.
CC Highlights : Newcastle v Wentworthville RD 7
He built pressure and found space confidently which resulted in a try in the 13th minute.
Training alongside Mitchell Pearce in the pre-season seemed to have rubbed off.
Jirah Momoisea
The young front rower has proven to be a handy commodity for the Knights.
Momoisea made a strong return from a knee injury against the Magpies on the weekend and played more minutes than expected.
Cup Knights outwrestle Mapgies
Coach Rory Kostjasyn credited the 21-year-old for a stellar performance through the middle.
"He carried the footy strong and he got through loads of work," Kostjasyn said.
Jacob Gagai
Just like his bigger brother, Jacob is known to create some headaches for opposition sides, escaping the clutches of defenders on a regular basis.
This season, Gagai has recorded an honourable 14 tackle breaks in his five games played for the Canterbury Cup Knights.
The 24-year-old's performance against the Magpies got the thumbs up from the coach, with a try just six minutes into the match.
He was touted as a valuable contributor in their four point victory.
