We always have an eye on the future.
Each week the nib Newcastle Knights will identify the best performers from the ISP NSW and Jersey Flegg competitions so the supporters can get a feel for who is consistently performing in the lower grades.
These are the players to keep an eye out for as they climb the ranks or knock on the door for a future NRL debut.
Star To'a's first taste of the big time
Starford To’a
The Australian Schoolboys representative has a bright future.
An outside back who can play fullback, centre or wing, had his first taste of the big time when he played the second half of the NRL trial against Cronulla.
Not only did he play, he scored the Knights’ only try and did so with his first touch. With quick feet and pace, To’a burned his opposition winger to score in the corner.
Still only young and eligible for the Jersey Flegg competition, To’a’s time with the big boys was a reward for working hard in his first NRL pre-season.
Bayden Searle
The No.7 was filled with energy as he guided the Jersey Flegg side around the paddock in their trial against the Sharks.
Zippy on his feet, his toughness was on display with the half not afraid to take on the line.
He took plenty of heavy knocks as he kept the defence in two minds but it never phased him. With a smart kicking game, Searle is one to keep a keen eye on in 2019.
Jirah Momoisea
The 21-year-old is shaping up to be a force as a front rower.
Playing both Jersey Flegg and ISP last year, the no. 8 starred in the ISP’s trial match against the Newtown Jets where he became a handful for the opposition.
The young forward won most of his tackles and staged a stack of professional carries to get the job done effectively.
Just like Star, Jirah also got a taste of NRL. It was a great experience for the promising forward, who recorded some minutes in the second half of the trial match against Cronulla.
Phoenix Crossland
The impressive halfback had a pearler of a game in the ISP trial match against the Newtown Jets.
On numerous occasions, the 18-year-old showed why he’s so valuable, as he kicked the team out of trouble and kept the Knights in-front on the score board.
The young half, who played U18s NSW Origin last year, is starting to form a promising combination with Mason Lino.
