Sue eager to end 142-game finals drought with new club

Sauaso Sue didn't need a second invitation when Adam O'Brien offered him the chance to start a new chapter in Newcastle.

Sue, who signed a two-year deal, has the unwanted record of having played 142 NRL appearances over eight seasons with Wests Tigers and Canterbury without being part of a finals fixture.

The retirement of experienced duo Aidan Guerra and Tim Glasby, combined with the sudden exit of Sione Mata'utia to St Helens, opened the door for Sue at the Knights.

The finals drought streak few is something the 28-year-old is desperate to end. 

"As soon as my manager said the Knights were interested I was excited at that possibility because they're a finals team and are on the rise," Sue told NRL.com.

"That's what is driving me. We came ninth so many times at the Tigers and then at the Bulldogs we lost so many close games and couldn't get into the top eight either.

"When I signed with the Bulldogs [in 2018] David Klemmer was there and I thought we'd play together but then by the time we got to pre-season he'd signed with the Knights.

"So to finally get to run out next to the big fella and in an aggressive pack, hopefully, it will make my role a bit more simple and we can do a job for a young backline that has a lot of speed and skill."

A season-ending knee injury at McDonald Jones Stadium in 2019 was the last time Sue, who has played 10 internationals for Samoa, played at the venue. 

In March he plans on running out to a sea of red and blue in happier circumstances.

"I haven't played there since I did my ACL but as an opposing player I know how passionate the fans are as a one-team town," Sue said.

"I had some dark times with the knee and it definitely made me learn a lot about myself. I finished the [2020] season at the Bulldogs and am now looking at next year as a fresh start, there's no looking back now.

"I don't really talk much but like to show things with my actions so hopefully I can bring some extra edge and do a job for the team.

"Everyone is pretty hungry here so it's motivating to get the best out of you."

Sue believes O'Brien can be the man who unlocks his best and hopes to be able to help out the younger generation of players in return, particularly those with Polynesian backgrounds.

"Adam seems very assertive with how he coaches, which I like," Sue said.

"I've still got to earn one of those jerseys over the next few months, you can never be prepared to for pre-season it's torture, but I've come back in alright shape."