Newcastle Knights in ‘deep discussions’ over move for Super League duo
The Newcastle Knights are reported to be in ‘deep discussions’ over a potential double deal that could see Will Pryce and Kai Pearce-Paul head to the NRL.
The Knights have been buoyed by the success of Bailey Hodgson and Dominic Young and could swoop again. Hodgson signed from the Castleford Tigers, Young the Huddersfield Giants and both have starred.
Unfortunately it looks as though Young could be facing a spell on the sidelines. The winger suffered a knee injury in the 30-6 loss against Manly on Thursday night. He has been sent for scans amid fears he has suffered a PCL injury.
Newcastle eye double swoop
Both players have impressed in the NRL and the Knights are exploring more options. Indeed, according to the Newcastle Herald, Huddersfield’s Pryce and Wigan’s Pearce-Paul are the targets.
They claim that the Knights are well down the line with talks over a double swoop. However, the news comes as Pearce-Paul has just suffered a serious knee injury.
The 21-year-old tore ligaments in his knee in the Challenge Cup win over Salford. Now it looks as though he is facing months on the sidelines while he recovers.
It remains to be seen how the injury will impact on a potential deal. Even so the Knights could still push ahead trusting that the youngster will make a full recovery.
Pryce is also a target and could be viewed as a replacement for Kalyn Ponga. Should Ponga opt to leave the Knights in 2023. At 19 Pryce has a very bright future and plays at fullback or in the halves.
It seems as though the Knights may have been tipped off by Mitchell Pearce. Pearce left Newcastle to join the Catalans Dragons in Super League. And maybe he has reported back on Pryce and Pearce-Paul.
Knights target English stars
Knights CEO Phil Gardner has hinted at the possibility as they look to lure more players down under.
“We’d like to regularly have English players coming into the club. They add something to the club and the fans love them,” Gardner told the Newcastle Herald.
“If our players can spend a couple of years at the end of their careers playing in England, it’s good for them and also a recruitment tool for us.
“We can ask for their opinions of the players over there, and they can help spread the word that the Knights are a good club to play for. That all helps with the process.”
Newcastle may now be hoping Pearce can have a word in the ear of Pryce and Pearce-Paul.