Rising teenage Cowboys star Jeremiah Nanai is just about the hottest property in the NRL right now. For good reason too after his stunning hat-trick against the Broncos last weekend.
But Knights fans all pumped up by the news Newcastle is one of six clubs interested in the skillful backrower should temper their excitement.
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The man who signed Nanai to the Cowboys when he was just 15, current Knights recruitment boss Clint Zammit, believes the 19-year-old tearaway is unlikely to be going anywhere.
"We've expressed an interest in Jeremiah if he genuinely wants to look elsewhere but I'm not anticipating he will," Zammit told us. "I won't be surprised if remains at the Cowboys and stays in Townsville a bit longer."
Zammit was giving nothing away about other potential targets for next season but it's understood young English stars Will Pryce and Kai Pearce-Paul remain on the radar despite both being under contract to Super League clubs, Huddersfield and Wigan, for 2023.
Barney on the move?
Suspended forward Mitch Barnett's move to the Warriors at the end of the season with a year still left on his contract in Newcastle is not yet set in stone - but it will be.
It's understood the Warriors tried hard to prise him out of the Knights before a ball was kicked this season but their advances were blocked by the club. The Knights won't stand in his way a second time.
The writing was on the wall that Barnett was keen to explore options elsewhere when he parted company last year with former agent, local solicitor Mandy Hull, to sign with prominent NRL player manager Chris Orr.
Friz' contract call
One player not going anywhere is Tyson Frizell, who is expected to confirm his commitment to the Knights for next season within the next few weeks.
While plenty has been said and written about Kalyn Ponga having contract options in his favour for 2023 and 2024, Frizell's three-year-deal with the Knights also includes an option in his favour for his final year.
There is no suggestion he will leave and given his early season form, an extension is almost certainly on the cards.
As for Ponga, the talk of a move to the Wayne Bennett-coached Dolphins continues but insiders at the Knights believe it won't be long before he puts local fans out of their misery and takes up his option for 2023.
Milford's D-Day
Former Brisbane Broncos star Anthony Milford will be back in court in Brisbane on April 11 to answer assault allegations with his immediate NRL future potentially hanging on the outcome.
Milford will join the Knights for the rest of this season if he is cleared by the court and the NRL to return. But a further lengthy delay in determining innocence or guilt could see the Knights lose patience and look elsewhere to bolster their roster. The club is currently weighing up its options to fill their final two top 30 roster spots with Lachlan Fitzgibbon's knee injury and Mitch Barnett's suspension leaving backrow stocks a little thin.
Klem out for long haul
David Klemmer may have only had minor knee surgery early last week but it seems he won't be back playing anytime soon.
Klemmer has a history when it comes to knee issues which will mean his recovery will be slow and he's unlikely to be back on deck before round 9.
The news on Jayden Brailey is all positive after he ruptured his Achilles in January. It's an injury that can take five to seven months to recover from but his rehab is ahead of schedule and he could be back in early June.
Charity run
More than 60 runners will raise money for Wings4Kids charity when they participate in Newcastle NewRun tomorrow. Creer Property's Brendan Walsh and Jacob Hosking are once again behind the great cause, hoping to raise more than $12,000 for sick kids in regional and remote areas. Support them.
Mann a lock-in
Versatile Kurt Mann's transformation from utility player to a starting ball-playing lock this season has been a big success and he was the Knights' best in their 38-20 loss to Penrith in Bathurst last weekend.
The Panthers game was also stand-in fullback Tex Hoy's best performance in the top grade while fill-in captain Tyson Frizell joined the top of the Baz's Best leader board with another strong game in the backrow.
Rd 3: Knights v Panthers:
3 Kurt Mann 2 Tex Hoy 1 Tyson Frizell.
Progress points: 4 Dane Gagai, Jake Clifford, Tyson Frizell, 3 Kurt Mann, 2 Tex Hoy, 1 Mitch Barnett.
Sour Sowie
We've heard plenty of coaches absolutely going off in the box and verbally giving it to their players during games over the years. But if you are talking podium performers, look no further than former St George Illawarra premiership-winner Jamie Soward.
The rookie St George Illawarra NRLW coach hit richter scale levels rarely heard of in an explosive first 40 minutes in the box against the Knights a few weeks ago. Those in the box next door could only shake their heads.
The Dragons girls dominated the game to lead 16-4 at halftime before winning 40-4. We'd hate to hear him when they're losing.
