Summary:
- The Newcastle Knights have secured a major signing, landing forward Marata Niukore on a three-year deal starting in 2027.
- Niukore leaves the New Zealand Warriors seeking a fresh opportunity amid rising competition and is seen as a versatile, high-quality addition to Newcastle’s pack.
- The move is viewed as a significant boost for the Knights, who are building momentum and strengthening their roster for the future.
Replies
How could the Knights have any cap left?? Niukore is currently on $775k and whilst you'd think he'd take a cut he'd still be on good money. Ponga will be asking for $1.5m, DB is on $1.3m. Bradman Best and Saifiti would be on $700k+. Fletcher Sharpe will have to get an upgrade then throw in sandon smith, Dom young, Dylan Lucas,Crossland etc
The writing is on the wall for Frizzelle, Gagai and possibly Marzhew to be shown the door at the end of this year but even allowing for that they are very top heavy with salaries
Precisely. Marzhew is off contract for 2027 apparently.
Agree, Alfie.
The Knights, and particualry Sharpe & Lucas could become really good opportunities if Ponga stays.
There is no way they can afford to upgrade both Sharpe & Lucas to what they will demand?
Holbrook might let Ponga walk, Sharpe to fullback & go after a 7.
The Knights under Holbrook could be the next team to really make a move if they can purchase a 7, imo.
Might be tricky to get players out of there but $$ talks as we know.
Newcastle are setup for life after Ponga.I seriously doubt going foward he'll be there in a season or 2 this allows Sharpe and Lucas to be locked up.Guys like Peter O'Sulivan understand the landscape he knows where there rosters at and will have planned for the mentioned years in advance and will align his cap with that in mind.
I think he understood that when he went after DB and got his man 2nd time round.Lucas and McEwen look like keepers to me and like mentioned Gagai Frizell and co the writing is on the wall.Unlike us I think they'll have a plan in place for whatever scenario takes place there not like us reacting to a situation they've already plans in place that's the difference.
100%, Coryn. Well said.
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