We always have an eye on the future.
Each week the nib Newcastle Knights will identify the best performers from the Canterbury Cup 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.
BRANDON RUSSELL
The QLD emerging U20s player is a talented lock.
He’s also a workhorse.
According to Jersey Flegg coach Scott Dureau, the workhorse is one to watch.
“He was our best,” Dureau said.
“He ran for over 200 metres and topped the tackle count for us.
“It was a huge effort from him. A strong game.”
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MICTH BLACK
The NSW under 18s hooker, Black is a talented No.9.
Playing only his second game for the Jersey Flegg side, the Dyers Crossing product is not only crafty but happy to roll up the sleeves and get through the not so glamorous parts of the game.
“He came off the bench in the first half and then played the rest of the game,” Dureau said.
“He did a really good job. His service was really good and worked hard in D. He’s competitive and very intelligent as well.
“He works really hard and competes on every play.”
TEX HOY
The livewire was the difference in the Knights’ Canterbury Cup win over Wentworthville on Saturday.
Cup coach Rory Kostjasyn couldn’t praise the local product enough for his efforts.
“He made a number of big tackles which saved tries,” Kostjasyn said.
“He also scored a brilliant individual try from about halfway. He was outstanding.”
Hoy completed his first NRL pre-season over the summer and is on a development deal with the Knights.
MITCH ANDREWS
The centre has a smart footy brain which was on show with the defensive decisions he made in Canterbury Cup on the weekend.
“He was huge defensively,” Kostjasyn said.
“He made 20 tackles and won them all. He also came up with some big try savers.”
