According to The Daily Telegraph,ย Sione Mataโutia will depart the Newcastle Knights in favour of a move to Super League club St Helens.
The decision to move to the Super League from Mataโutia has enabled North Queensland playmaker Jake Clifford to likely make the switch to Newcastle.
Benji Marshall has reportedly agreed to a one-year deal to move to the Cowboys as they look to improve their chances of finals in 2021.
The 35-year old is reportedly good friends with Cowboys coach Todd Payten as he gets another opportunity in the NRL.
It means Clifford will likely be the expendable option and forced out of the club, enabling the move to the Knights to take place.
Pearce, Mann, Crossland, Lino, Watson do the Knights really need another half?
Even if Watson is considered a 9 thats still 5 halves when you add Clifford, not to mention Hoy could slot in a 6 or Ponga if they needed to
Yeah, and Benji doesn’t get through a full season without missing games with injuries these days. I think he would be a big asset for the Cowboys, but I don’t think Jake Clifford needs to leave. Next year will most likely be Benji’s last season and if he’s able to mentor Clifford and help the team make the finals it will be a win-win for all concerned.
Lino is off contract,
Watson might slot into lock,
Mann utility,
Crossland and Hoy will continue
developing in the lower grade,
Ponga will stay at fullback,
Pearce no. 7,
Clifford our missing no. 6!