The nib Newcastle Knights are blessed with options for 2020.
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 Adam O’Brien.
Today, we take a look at the middles.
Note: These depth charts are the opinion of newcastleknights.com.au and have no input from the coaching staff.
David Klemmer
There’s few in the game more intimidating than Klemmer.
The giant prop signed with the Knights last season on a five-year-deal and did not disappoint.
He was one of the Knights most consistent players all year and formed a menacing combination with Daniel Saifiti.
Last season he proved why he’s one of the best forwards in the NRL, representing both New South Wales and Australia.
Daniel Saifiti
The 2019 season will be a year Saifiti will never forget.
The monstering prop is only getting better with age and is starting to become a very consistent first grade footballer.
The 22-year-old made his representative debut when he got called into the New South Wales side to replace his injured Knights teammate, Klemmer.
Saifiti did not shy away from the big arena, featuring in two matches and is 15 games away from 100 in the top grade.
Tim Glasby
After signing with the Knights last season, Glasby slotted into the starting lock position and wasted little time playing his part.
He’s a premiership winner and represented Queensland again in the 2019 State of Origin series.
He’s a player every coach wants in their team as he leads by example on the training paddock and in his game day preparation.
Jacob Saifiti
Unfortunately for Saifiti, injuries stopped him from really making his mark in the NRL last season.
The twin of Daniel, Jacob has a strong running game and aggressive defensive style.
The Fijian representative will certainly be looking to have a strong pre-season so Coach O’Brien is forced to pick him come Round 1 next year.
Josh King
After another solid season, King will be looking to only grow further as a player under the new Coach.
The prop made 11 appearances for the Knights last season and brought up his 50th NRL game in the Round 22 win against the Cowboys.
A local junior, King is one of the hardest workers on the training paddock and is showing leadership qualities.
Herman Ese’ese
Ese’ese has the potential to be one of the most damaging ball-runners in the NRL.
Last season he became a real impact player off the bench with his aggressive running game.
He played 18 games for the Knights last season and earnt a call up to the Samoan team for the Pacific Test.
He’ll be looking to have a big pre-season and lock down a spot in the 17 next season.
Aidan Guerra
Throughout his career, Guerra has mainly found himself playing on the edge. But last season, the 31-year-old shifted into the middle of the field.
He’s as tough as they come and he showed that last season when he returned early from a gruesome ankle injury sustained against the Sea Eagles in Round 5.
As a former Queensland and Australian representative, his big game experience will prove handy.
Pasami Saulo
Saulo is a name to look out for in 2020 having made six NRL appearances over the last two seasons.
The 21-year-old has great character and is starting to add some size to his frame.
After another preseason under his belt, Saulo will be looking to add to his tally as his game continues to develop.
Jirah Momoisea
Momoisea came awfully close to making his NRL debut for the Knights last season, being named on the extended bench on several occasions.
Having switched codes from union to rugby league, it’s only the 21-year-old’s third season playing the sport.
He’s a powerful ball runner who has been rewarded with a development contract.
Mat Croker
On a development deal, the 20-year-old prop spent the bulk of last season playing in the 20s competition but did get a taste of Canterbury Cup throughout the year.
With a terrific attitude towards training, the Nabiac product is skillful for a big man.
A Knights junior, Croker is training fulltime and continuing to develop his game.
Connor Watson
Such is his versatility, it has been speculated that Watson could find himself spending some time in the lock position in 2020.
With speed to burn and the game evolving, a roaming style of play would compliment Watson's game.
Mitch Barnett
Lock is a role Barnett is no stranger to.
While he played the bulk of 2019 on the edge, Barnett is comfortable in the 13 role.
With a high work-rate and aggressive style, don't be surprised to see Barnett in the middle this season.
