Brendan Elliot, Mitchell Barnett set to join Newcastle Knights and boost injury-ravaged squad

THE Knights are poised to announce the mid-season signings of Roosters centre Brendan Elliot and Raider Mitchell Barnett to bolster their injury-ravaged squad.

STRUGGLING Newcastle Knights are poised to announce the mid-season signings of Sydney Roosters centre Brendan Elliot and Canberra backrower Mitchell Barnett to bolster their injury-ravaged squad.

The Daily Telegraph has been told both players could be on deck for the bottom-placed Knights as early as Saturday when they take on the Warriors at Hunter Stadium with coach Nathan Brown believed to be considering rushing the pair into his 17 if they are released in time.

It is understood the Knights have already agreed to terms with both players and they could train with their new club as early as Wednesday if their clearances from the Roosters and Raiders come through in time.

Elliot, a Queenslander who played his junior football with Runaway Bay before being signed by the Roosters, has played 14 NRL games and is tipped to play in the centres against the Warriors if Nathan Ross is ruled out with a calf injury.

Brendan Elliot is set to join the Knights. Picture: Mark Evans

Ross had scans on Monday after being forced off during Saturday’s loss to North Queensland in Townsville.

Barnett is a Wingham Tigers junior who played in the lower grades at the Knights before switching to the Raiders in 2013.

He played two NRL games for Canberra last season but has been on the periphery this season and unable to force his way into the strong Raiders pack.

Meanwhile, Newcastle winger Akuila Uate, who was dumped to NSW Cup last week but didn’t play against Manly because the game was a wash-out, appears certain to be overlooked for a recall when Brown names his line-up later today for the Warriors clash.

Originally published as Brendan Elliot, Mitchell Barnett set to join Newcastle Knights and boost injury-ravaged squad