Knights close to signing Pauli Pauli from Parramatta

Interesting article care of the Newcastle Herald:

http://www.theherald.com.au/story/3660197/eel-do-the-job/?cs=12

NEWCASTLE’S painstaking quest for roster reinforcements looks set to pay dividends with the belated signing of Parramatta wrecking ball Pauli Pauli.

The Knights have been biding their time since the end of last season, waiting patiently for players to come on the market who they believe can enhance coach Nathan Brown’s squad.

Their top priority has been a front-row forward capable of providing explosive impact and 21-year-old Pauli would appear a perfect fit for that profile.

Newcastle’s hopes of signing the heavyweight prop hinge on a complicated four-way transfer of players.

To accommodate the recent signing of James Roberts from Gold Coast, Brisbane are trying to offload winger Dale Copley.

Copley has attracted the interest of the Roosters, but their hopes of signing him hinge on finding a new club for international centre Michael Jennings.

Parramatta have been linked to Jennings, but to create room for the highly paid flyer under their salary cap they will need to move on at least one contracted player.

The Newcastle Herald understands the Knights have been negotiating with Parramatta officials in the hope of securing a release for Pauli.

Knights chief executive Matt Gidley was non-committal when contacted on Tuesday, insisting Pauli had not signed.

“The club is considering a number of opportunities regarding recruitment at the moment and will continue to explore any option that can strengthen our current playing roster,’’ Gidley said.

But reliable sources have told the Herald that if all the dominoes fall into place, the Knights could announce Pauli’s signing within a matter of days.

Pauli’s size and power would certainly be a welcome addition to Newcastle’s engine-room rotation.

At 193 centimetres and 120 kilograms, he would be Newcastle’s biggest forward.

Brown’s front-row options currently include Kade Snowden, Korbin Sims, Mickey Paea, Jack Stockwell and Sam Mataora.

Pauli, who debuted with Parramatta as a 19-year-old in 2014, has appeared in 33 top-grade games, scoring three tries.

Meanwhile, speculation is mounting that the Knights face a battle to re-sign promising back-rower Joseph Tapine, who is reported to have been targeted by Canberra.

"I thought the win against the Roosters was our best of the year and had a few sips that night. But last night I agree HOE it was even better, consequently the whiskey bottle got a good nudge."

Replies

Daneel January 12, 2016 at 9:09pm

I must admit, if it came down to losing Pauli Pauli or Junior Paulo, I believe Pauli Pauli to be the more expendable one.
- Alan Hunt > Daneel January 12, 2016 at 9:14pm
  
  Junior Paulo is already going, so we lose the both of them???
  
  So signing Scott and Watmough had cost us both of them. Awesome.
Can I wipe your forehead January 12, 2016 at 9:13pm

Pauli will go to only accomodate Jennings
- hornylittleeels > Can I wipe your forehead January 12, 2016 at 9:24pm
  
  come on down Jennings
Daneel January 12, 2016 at 9:15pm

Is that 100% confirmed re Paulo?
Jack January 12, 2016 at 9:17pm

I think it would be good for both parra and pauli to move on
Snakey - Sack Dylan Brown January 12, 2016 at 9:18pm

Sounds all pretty spot on to me.
HKF January 12, 2016 at 9:18pm

Exactly Ron, he will never reach his full potential, too lazy and a lack of killer instinct.
Mo January 12, 2016 at 9:19pm

I don't think we need to throw $800 000 at Mick Jennings. However if we were to lose Pauli it wouldn't be so big as his attitude has been disappointing.
- colin hussey > Mo January 12, 2016 at 10:39pm
  
  No way is Jennings worth $800K a season, although if the deal was for 2 years at that figure would be OK, would love to see one of the young players shine more though & get the spot.