Newcastle Knights 2009 season preview
February 15th 2009 03:26
Lowdown
Finishing last season on 28 competition points should have granted the Newcastle Knights a place in the 2008 finals series.
However, the Knights just missed out on the finals series, losing to the Broncos in the last round of the competition to signal curtains for season 2008.
Indeed the Warriors win over the Eels was the final nail in the coffin for Brian Smith’s men.
Although they were very competitive in most of their games in 2008, the Knights now approach a new era in 2009 without captain Danny Buderus, who has since gone overseas to the Leeds Rhinos.
2009 Prospects
Despite missing the top eight, the Knights were the best performed finals team in eight seasons, finishing on 28 points which would see most sides in previous seasons make the eight.
But it was not enough for Newcastle, despite their several Herculean efforts ,which featured inspirational wins over the Melbourne Storm, Parramatta Eels, Manly Sea Eagles and the Sydney Roosters during season 2008.
Although Newcastle never died wondering last season, the Knights did lose a lot of close games last year by 12 points or less, signalling the club’s inability to perform when the going gets tough.
When they find themselves in a winning position, the Knights really should learn to close out games if they are to make an impact in 2009.
If they can master this component of their game, Newcastle have plenty of attacking arsenal that should deal some serious damage come this season.
Fullback Kurt Gidley played out of his skin last season to become arguably one of the most influential players in the NRL.
Appropriately named Newcastle’s player of the year, Gidley was the foundation for most of the Knights victories last season, whether it be scoring a try, goalkicking or making metres from the back.
God help Newcastle if injury strikes him down this coming season.
Jarrod Mullen also had a good season last year, kicking numerous 40/20s to gift Newcastle field position.
The Knights in the end finished season 2008 as the team that kicked the most 40/20s, thanks mainly to Mullen’s accurate boot.
If his kicking radar his on, expect Mullen and Newcastle to be in the running for the two competition points for the majority of season 2009.
Prediction
The Knights are a team based on attitude and heart. If Newcastle can start season 2009 on a positive note, their entire city will jump on the bandwagon and make them very difficult to stop.
Although the loss of Buderus is huge, new recruit Isaac De Gois is a terrific buy from the Sharks who will relish the opportunity to become Newcastle’s main man at no.9.
If key men Gidley, Mullen and De Gois have great seasons, expect Newcastle to feature in the finals series at seasons end.
| 49 |
| Vote |
subscribe to this blog
