Knights players waiting on announcement of new coach
Newcastle Knights forward Robbie Rochow says the players are not privy to who is in line to be the club's next coach.
A list of criteria has been put together by club CEO Matt Gidley, chairman Paul Harragon and advisory committee member John Quayle, with a short list of candidates now being put together.
Current assistant coach Rick Stone and Panthers NSW Cup coach Garth Brennan are two possible contenders to replace Wayne Bennett.
Rochow says the team is waiting to find out just like everyone else.
"Personally I'm not sure, you know we're just waiting to find out really," he said.
"We have no control over that decision and we're just waiting to find out who it is and hopefully know as soon as we can."
Several players in the team come off contract at the end of the season and are yet to finalise if they stay or go.
But Rochow says his future is with the Knights.
"I can't speak on behalf of other players, I know I'm fine, I'm here for a couple of years now," he said.
"Whoever's coach I know I want to do the same job that I've done the last few years that I've been here."
Knights ready for Rabbitohs challenge
After a confidence boosting win over the defending premiers, Newcastle Knights centre Dane Gagai says the team knows it won't get any easier this week.
Despite several key players missing and many people dismissing their chances, the Knights overcame the Roosters last Friday in a much-needed win.
Newcastle travel to Cairns this weekend to play the second-placed South Sydney Rabbitohs.
Gagai says it will be another battle of the forwards.
"It's definitely going to be a big challenge for us but I think the game on the weekend gave us that confidence that we can do it because the Roosters aint no small pack themselves and all the boys stood up and hopefully we can do that again this weekend," he said.
While five eighth Jarrod Mullen has been ruled out with an abdominal strain, captain Kurt Gidley has been named in the team to play Souths.
Gidley who was sideline with a groin injury wear the no.6 jersey alongside Tyrone Roberts at halfback.
Sione Mata'utia, Chanel Mata'utia and Jake Mamo have all retained their positions in the backline.
With Gidley and Darius Boyd sidelined last week, Gagai had to play five-eighth when injury forced Mullen from the field just before half time against the Roosters.
Gagai says ehile he is glad to Gidley back in the side he will play where ever he is needed.
He says he just tried to do his best for the team when he was hurled into the playmaking role.
"Obviously a little bit daunting because I haven't trained there but I guess that comes wiht the job," he said.
"If the team needs you you've just got to step up.
"I knew I wasn't going to go out there be no Jarrod Mullen, I'm no ball player, but I just made sure I was trying to do my best for the team.
"And I think my main job was just to tuck it and run and I just tried my best."
The team to play South Sydney:
Number | Name |
---|---|
1 | Sione Mata’utia |
2 | Jake Mamo |
3 | Dane Gagai |
4 | Joey Leilua |
5 | Chanel Mata’utia |
6 | Kurt Gidley (c) |
7 | Tyrone Roberts |
8 | Kade Snowden |
9 | Adam Clydsdale |
10 | Willie Mason |
11 | Beau Scott |
12 | Robbie Rochow |
13 | Jeremy Smith |
Interchange | |
14 | Travis Waddell |
15 | Korbin Sims |
17 | Adam Cuthbertson |
18 | David Fa’alogo |