Tag Archives: NRL

The Knights are waiting on scan results for young forward Jacob Saifiti, who suffered a suspected broken wrist in the big loss to the Sharks. This afternoon, CEO Matt Gidley sent a letter to fans and club members, thanking them for their support.

Newcastle Knights co-captain Jeremy Smith will retire at the end of the NRL season. The 36-year-old has played more than 200 games spanning a 12-year career. More to come.

The Saifiti brothers are set to remain at the Newcastle Knights until the end of 2018, after extending their contracts with the club. 20-year-old twins Daniel and Jacob debuted for the Knights at the start of this season, and were signed until the end of 2017. This week they added another year to their contracts. “Daniel and Jacob have been in our system for some time now and we are delighted to secure them at the club long term,” said coach Nathan Brown. “They have both impressed this year and we know they will only continue to improve.” Jacob has played eight out of a possible nine games this season, while Daniel has played six and represented Fiji in last weekend’s Pacific Test.

Knights halfback Trent Hodkinson says he’s ready to do a job for New South Wales IF he’s selected for Origin One. With James Maloney also in the running for a spot in the halves, this Sunday’s clash with the Sharks at Hunter Stadium could act as a selection trial.

Former Ballina junior and current Sydney Rooster Mitchell Aubusson will line up for Country, in this weekend’s City-Country clash in Tamworth. It’s the first time the 28-year-old, who recently notched his 200th NRL game, has been chosen in a representative side. While Aubusson will start on the bench, the utility is expected to make an impact in the centres or second row, later in the game. (VISION ONLY)

Returning to the NRL and Nathan Brown has selected a 20-man squad for Saturday’s clash with the Roosters. Scans have confirmed Peter Mata’utia’s knee injury will keep him out for around eight weeks, while Jarrod Mullen will need to see a specialist to determine the extent of his hamstring strain. The coach has named Will Pearsall and Pat Mata’utia as their replacements.

It may have been an improved performance on the big loss to Brisbane, but the clash with Manly still proved dire for the Knights. The blows keep coming for Newcastle, with Jarrod Mullen and Peter Mata’utia now facing long stints on the sideline.

Peter Mata’utia has revealed he’s taken a pay cut, to try and resurrect his first grade career in Newcastle. “Yeah bit of a pay cut, but I get to live with Mum for a bit. My main focus is to play NRL and I get to do that here with my brothers.” He’s keen to face Manly at Hunter Stadium on Monday, but Nathan Brown is yet to confirm whether Peter will play. The 25 year old says seeing the big crowd that turned out to support the Knights against the Tigers helped with his decision to move home. “It reminded me of how good the crowd is up here. Can’t wait to put on that blue jersey again.”

Newcastle will host Manly on Monday for the first time since 2012. Dane Gagai didn’t grow up in the Hunter region, but a Knights’ legend has made sure he knows the significance of the rivalry with the Sea Eagles.

The Titans and Bulldogs will both be aiming to pile on the pressure early in their Round Eight encounter in Sydney. The sides are coming off soft starts- and losses to teams struggling with form. With utility Daniel Mortimer side-lined with an injury picked up in the Dragons game, Kierran Moseley moves into the 18-man squad, in his second N-R-L game of 20-16.