Brendan Elliot’s culture shock after joining Newcastle Knights from Sydney Roosters

THE first few days in Newcastle have been something of a culture shock for recent recruit Brendan Elliot.

NEWCASTLE recruit Brendan Elliot was used to being surrounded by Test and Origin stars whenever he got an opportunity in the top grade at the Sydney Roosters.

So his first few days in Newcastle have been something of a culture shock for the 22-year-old centre.

Elliot will debut for his new club against the Warriors on Saturday on the left edge with 18-year-olds Jack Cogger and Cory Denniss either side of him in a team dominated by youth and inexperience.

But that is precisely what is exciting the former Runaway Bay junior.

“It’s all happened quite quickly. I’m just excited to be up here now and playing on the weekend,” he said yesterday after the team’s final training run.

“I’m keen to get out there on the field.”

Brendan Elliot will debut for the Knights against the Warriors. Picture: Mark Evans

Elliot said the prospect of joining a club where the progression and development of young players was paramount only added to the excitement.

“It’s a great opportunity Browny (Knights coach Nathan Brown) and the Knights have offered me and I’m here to take it,” he said.

“Although it’s only 18 months (contract), I’m looking forward to bigger and better things after that months.

“I’ve played a couple of games now and feel like I’m ready to step up to the first-grade level. That’s why I’m up here, to be playing first grade.

Brendan Elliot will line up alongside Knights youngster Jack Cogger.

“I got a crack at the start of the year (with the Roosters) and don’t think I showed my full potential.

“I went back to at Wyong and played a couple of good games here and now I’m keen to take up this ­opportunity here.”

Elliot and new back-row pick-up Mitch Barnett have both been rushed into the side by Brown with Elliot slotting in for injured centre Nathan Ross. Barnett is in the squad for the injured Tariq Sims.

Originally published as Brendan Elliot’s culture shock after joining Newcastle Knights from Sydney Roosters