After collecting the wooden spoon in 2015, the only way is up for the Knights

MATTHEW JOHNS SCOUTING REPORT: With the Knights recovering from the Nathan Tinkler era, they see themselves returning to an old core principle: nurture the Hunter Region talent.

Newcastle Training

WITH the Knights recovering from the trauma of the Nathan Tinkler era, they see themselves returning to an old core principle: nurture the Hunter Region talent and build the future of the club with a focus on local juniors.

Let’s face it, they have shifted in this direction through necessity rather than desire.

Financial restraints are biting hard, as is the inability to attract marquee talent. Maybe in the not-too-distant future, being forced to refocus on local talent will be a blessing.

The Knights are looking to rebuild after a disastrous 2015.

If the Knights are all about rebuilding, they have the coach to do it in Nathan Brown. He has proven himself to be a top-class educator of football talent. The Dragons’ 2010 premiership had more than just a trace of Nathan Brown’s DNA in it.

After collecting last year’s wooden spoon the feeling in the Hunter is that after rock bottom, the club can begin to move forward. Let’s hope last year was rock bottom, but there are no guarantees.

The Knights have lost a lot of experience, notably Kurt Gidley and Beau Scott, cut their losses with half Tyrone Roberts, let go of up-and- coming hooker Adam Clydsdale and lost a terrific centre in Kerrod Holland to the Bulldogs. This leaves a very skinny roster.

Their big signing was half Trent Hodkinson, who on paper should form a very good partnership with Jarrod Mullen. They will complement one another perfectly.

Hodkinson organises and handles responsibility easily, but is low on creativity. Mullen is a big attacking threat but shirks responsibility.

However, there has been talk coming out of Newcastle that Brown is contemplating giving young Brock Lama chance in the No.6 jersey alongside Hodkinson.

Newcastle Knights coach Nathan Brown calls the shots at training.

Does this mean Mullen is out of favour? Surely the best Knights side must have Mullen in it?

In my opinion, for the Knights to enjoy significant improvement Mullen and Hodkinson will need to play 20-plus games.

Also, keep an eye on emerging hooker Danny Levi. This young Kiwi has a fair bit of Issac Luke about him, and his speed and energy out of dummy-half will perfectly suit the way the game is played this year.

Jarrod Mullen will need to put in a big year.

BEST 13

1 Jake Mamo 2 Nathan Ross 3 Sione Mata’utia 4 Dane Gagai 5 Akuila Uate 6 Jarrod Mullen 7 Trent Hodkinson 8 Kade Snowden 9 Tyler Randell 10 Korbin Sims 11 Robbie Rochow 12 Tariq Sims 13 Jeremy Smith. Interchange: 14 Danny Levi 15 Joseph Tapine 16 Jack Stockwell 17 Mickey Paea

INS

Trent Hodkinson (Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs), Mickey Paea (Hull FC), Will Pearsall (Manly Sea Eagles), David Bhana (New Zealand Warriors), Krys Freeman (Norths in Queensland Cup)

OUTS

Kurt Gidley (Warrington Wolves), Beau Scott (Parramatta Eels), Clint Newton (retirement), David Fa’alogo (retirement), Carlos Tuimavave (Hull FC), Tyrone Roberts (Gold Coast Titans), Adam Clydsdale (Canberra Raiders), James Elias (released), Marvin Filipo (released), Pat Vaivai (Canberra Raiders), Todd Lowrie (Retired), Kerrod Holland (Canterbury Bulldogs), Chris Houston (released), Damian Sironen (not re-signed)

DRAW

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