Golden Boot winner Tommy Makinson catches up with Knights coach Nathan Brown
Tommy Makinson made headlines when he beat the NRL’s best to be named rugby league’s top player, and he sent the rumour mill into overdrive when he was spotted in Newcastle this week.
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Golden Boot winner Tommy Makinson sent the rugby league rumour mill into overdrive when he was spotted in Newcastle this week, but the Englishman won’t be joining former coach Nathan Brown at the Knights in 2019.
The St Helens winger made headlines when he beat the NRL’s best players to be named the game’s top international player and is currently holidaying with his family in Australia.
Makinson caught up with Brown, whom he played under when the pair won the Super League title in 2014.
While he won’t be in Newcastle colours next season, the Knights would be open to discussions with him once his contract runs out at St Helens.
Brown and Makinson weren’t talking negotiations or transfers but rather just having a family catch-up. However it is understood Makinson was seeking advice from Brown on the NRL, clubs that have shown interest and him possibly moving in the future.
Makinson is contracted to St Helens until 2021 and the Knights would not look at luring him to the Hunter before that time because of the costs.
“For anyone who plays with a club in England and is a high talent like Tommy, the English clubs don’t let them go for free,” Brown said.
“There’s transfer fees and player swaps. There’s a lot of water to go under the bridge in those areas.
“We’ve just invested quite heavily in the outside backs, so it’s not a position at this stage, we’re looking at.”
St Helens coach Justin Holbrook also rubbished claims his star was keen to move on.
“I haven't seen the stories but no one has come knocking on my door from the NRL concerning Tommy,” Holbrook told The St Helens Reporter.
“I know he has been on holiday Down Under but I am expecting him to return to training next week like the rest of our England players.”
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Originally published as Golden Boot winner Tommy Makinson catches up with Knights coach Nathan Brown
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