Trying to think how either Knight even fits for us.
I'd have:
8. Hunt
10. Rudolf
11. Nikora
12. Teig
13. Dale
14. McInnes
15. BHU
16. Frizell/Williams
17. Kaufusi/Wade
If everyone's fit, I think Friz/Fitz has to take Wades spot. Otherwise the bench becomes too light. Looks like a great side for the 6 again rule two years ago.
Yeah I don't see Fitzgibbon or Frizell fitting for us. No point signing some who is just going to fight Wade for a spot when we have Teig. I could cop Friz because I like him if they were covering any wage difference but still, not real useful.
They probably have a dev (or T&T) player that could be more valuable longer term.
Dev List
Krystian Mapapalangi - Knights fans are excited about this one. Krystian Mapapalangi was impressive in two 80 minute performances at centre for Newcastle late in the season. The 19-year-old faces stiff competition to slot into the centres, with Dane Gagai and Bradman Best established players. However, his utility value could see him play as the No.14 or on the wing. On debut, Mapapalangi recorded a try assists to go with 94 running metres before breaking four tackles, running 158 metres and breaking the line once in his second appearance. With the departure of Edrick Lee, Mapapalangi will be pushing to take his spot on the wing, learning his craft before making his way towards the middle of the field having played five-eigth as a junior.
Miles Martin - ???
Kobe Rugless - A junior Australian boxing champion has been named on the Knights' extended bench for this weekend's trip to face the Cowboys. Kobe Rugless, a 20-year-old who joined the club over the summer from North Sydney in the NSW Cup, has been a standout in the lower grades and earned a call-up to the main squad. While Rugless may not make the final 17 in Townsville, his selection shows that he is in coach Adam O'Brien's long-term plans.
Tavita Toloi - second rower, played v Scotland at World Cup
Chris Vea'ila - Newcastle Knights have called off a pre-season camp in Brisbane this weekend after one of the club's up-and-coming young players tested positive to COVID
Train and Trial players
MAX BRADBURY (prop)
The young forward had a season to remember, making the Jersey Flegg grand final with the Knights and representing NSW in the under 19s Origin. The powerful forward has progressed through the grades at the club.
TONI TUPOUNIUA (second row)
Toni Tupouniua may have spent almost all of 2022 playing for St Mary’s in Ron Massey Cup, but the Knights are confident the 23-year-old has the potential to play NRL. Tupouniua is the younger brother of Roosters second-rower, Sitili and according to reports has already inked a two-year full-time deal.