Tag: Newcastle Knights

As Nathan Brown put it today, the Knights’ clash with the Cowboys tomorrow is “the last throw at the stumps”. With Newcastle’s season on the line, the coach will look to his stars to keep it alive.

Kalyn Ponga’s an expert at dodging opponents on the football field – but today he artfully stepped around some tricky questions, off it. Namely, reports he’s seeking a big payrise… and outcry over how he reacts to losses.

Nathan Brown has rubbished claims of a falling out with Jesse Ramien, following revelations the young centre wants out of the Knights. The coach is instead trying to get the focus back onto Newcastle’s remaining games.

Paul Harragon is backing his old club to lift for Mark Hughes against the Tigers tomorrow night, despite the Knights having lost three in a row. Nathan Brown is also standing by the squad – but has warned players they need to follow the example of team leaders.

Senior Knights players admit the criticism the side copped after the woeful performance against the Roosters was warranted. They’ve vowed to learn from their mistakes, and quickly… with the clash with the Tigers fast approaching.

The message from Nathan Brown to his under-strength Knights tomorrow night is simple – play your own game. With seven regulars out of action, there’s a lot of re-shuffling…and a lot of opportunity for players to stand up and be counted.

All the Origin call-ups and injury will test the Knights’ depth when they host the Warriors on Saturday – especially up front. For one forward, it’s been more than a year between first grade appearances.

Kevin Walters doesn’t like his Maroons talking about the opposition, and it may just be working… in club land at least. The Knights’ Queensland representatives firmly focused on their next game in front of parochial Newcastle fans, after a month on the road.