Signings, Suggestions & Rumours Discussion

[BlackWhiteGold]

He had a tough game against us but definitely is talented, I wonder why he’s opting to leave Newcastle

Sounds like he's sees himself down the pecking order now but he is a western Sydney boy so maybe has an offer from somewhere else.

Personally I'd love him or the other Knights NSW Cup centre Kyle McCarthy to add depth & competition to the right centre & wing position.

Here's an excerpt from Barry Toohey's column yesterday (Newcastle journo) ...

Another obvious contender is 22-year-old NSW Cup centre Kyle McCarthy, who played six NRL games for the Knights in 2024 but hasn't been used since.

The uncertainty surrounding McCarthy is that his future is also clouded.

He has an option in his favour in his contract for next season to remain at the Knights. But he was told last year he is free to leave if he can find a better opportunity at a rival club and that situation has apparently not changed.

That suggests there is little chance of him being offered an extension beyond 2027 if he does opt to stay in Newcastle for a further 12 months.

 

[Oldman]

Are

Sounds like he's sees himself down the pecking order now but he is a western Sydney boy so maybe has an offer from somewhere else.

Personally I'd love him or the other Knights NSW Cup centre Kyle McCarthy to add depth & competition to the right centre & wing position.

Here's an excerpt from Barry Toohey's column yesterday (Newcastle journo) ...

Another obvious contender is 22-year-old NSW Cup centre Kyle McCarthy, who played six NRL games for the Knights in 2024 but hasn't been used since.

The uncertainty surrounding McCarthy is that his future is also clouded.

He has an option in his favour in his contract for next season to remain at the Knights. But he was told last year he is free to leave if he can find a better opportunity at a rival club and that situation has apparently not changed.

That suggests there is little chance of him being offered an extension beyond 2027 if he does opt to stay in Newcastle for a further 12 months.

Are either of these 2 over 6 foot 2 and have speed to run out of sight ?
Would like to recruit some body types for specific positions instead of juniors that were world beaters when they were 15 years old.
Our 2 starting second rowers are a start.
Our centres and Wingers need looking at.

 

[Fine Wines]

I think they’ll play AD there

Tbh this weekend id play Jarome at 7 and Latu at 6

Jarome at least talks and lets be honest his attack has been terrible so it’s probably better him getting his hands on the ball more

I agree. Would definitely move Latu to 6 for his running game.

 

[liltiger]

How much do we have to pay to forget he ever played here??

Psychotherapy is pricey

 

[Oldman]

Thinking about our half’s does Latu Fainu have a kicking game ?
Especially long kicks ?
Not just grubbers into the in goal.

 

[Camel2281]

Thinking about our half’s does Latu Fainu have a kicking game ?
Especially long kicks ?
Not just grubbers into the in goal.

Javon Andrews has a better long kicking game than Latu

 

[king_sirro]

Thinking about our half’s does Latu Fainu have a kicking game ?
Especially long kicks ?
Not just grubbers into the in goal.

Latu's kicking game really started to improve last year. He was getting quite good purchase on the ball and impressed me with his distance.

He will end up with a nice kicking game, not elite, but at least as good as Doueihi and much better than Laui

 

[Wiz]

I think we should target Katoa as our half. Western Sydney boy coming home. Currently available for 2028, can discuss Nov 1 this year. And then let Latu, Javon and Douhie fight it out for 5/8. Maybe we need to let Latu go to secure Katoa I.e. put Latu’s $500k towards Katoa. I would be happy to do this even though I am one of Latu’s biggest fans. We need a real first grade half back and Katoa would solve our problem.

 

[Tom Shines]

I think we should target Katoa as our half. Western Sydney boy coming home. Currently available for 2028, can discuss Nov 1 this year. And then let Latu, Javon and Douhie fight it out for 5/8. Maybe we need to let Latu go to secure Katoa I.e. put Latu’s $500k towards Katoa. I would be happy to do this even though I am one of Latu’s biggest fans. We need a real first grade half back and Katoa would solve our problem.

There is no doubt he is a better player than Latu … he will also be much harder to acquire and more expensive…I would suggest Katoa will be wanted at just about every other club if he comes onto the market … and he will sign for in excess of $1m per year …

They will likely need to make a decision on resigning Latu and his brother before Katoa comes on the market ..

 

[Bellend]

Sounds like he's sees himself down the pecking order now but he is a western Sydney boy so maybe has an offer from somewhere else.

Personally I'd love him or the other Knights NSW Cup centre Kyle McCarthy to add depth & competition to the right centre & wing position.

Here's an excerpt from Barry Toohey's column yesterday (Newcastle journo) ...

Another obvious contender is 22-year-old NSW Cup centre Kyle McCarthy, who played six NRL games for the Knights in 2024 but hasn't been used since.

The uncertainty surrounding McCarthy is that his future is also clouded.

He has an option in his favour in his contract for next season to remain at the Knights. But he was told last year he is free to leave if he can find a better opportunity at a rival club and that situation has apparently not changed.

That suggests there is little chance of him being offered an extension beyond 2027 if he does opt to stay in Newcastle for a further 12 months.

Very good player yes needs to work on his defense but we have a few in our side that have tackling issues. But he is quick.

 

[Bellend]

There is no doubt he is a better player than Latu … he will also be much harder to acquire and more expensive…I would suggest Katoa will be wanted at just about every other club if he comes onto the market … and he will sign for in excess of $1m per year …

They will likely need to make a decision on resigning Latu and his brother before Katoa comes on the market ..

What about Conti??

 

[Tom Shines]

What about Conti??

Think I’ll stick with Latu