Where's Edrick Lee?
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It's become easily the most asked question by Knights fans in casual conversations in pubs, at games and on social media.
Not surprising given the Queensland Origin winger is yet to make an appearance for the club this season after breaking his foot at pre-season training back in January.
Initially, it was suggested it was a five or six week injury but 15 rounds into the competition and there is still no sign of a return despite an indication eight weeks ago he was getting ready to play again when he was named to make a comeback that never eventuated.
The club has said very little since and the conspiracy theorists have been having a field day in more recent times, coming up with reasons why he has not been featuring. Among the more outlandish claims is that big Edrick is refusing to play because the Knights told him earlier in the season they would be unable to make him an offer for next year.
Truth is the lanky winger, one of the most popular figures in the playing group, is desperate to get back on the field but is struggling big time to get his foot right. It's why he hasn't been sighted on the training paddock for several weeks and is apparently keeping off his foot as much as possible on specialists' advice.
He has been seen more recently around Knights headquarters getting around with the aid of a scooter and wearing a moon boot.
Club insiders say his battle to play again this season is on-going but he appears to be losing a race against time with no return date known.
The fear is he may have already played his last game for the Knights.
The injury has been a bitter blow for not only Lee but also the club. His attacking strike and ability to bring the ball back strongly off his own line with a tough carry have been sorely missed this season.
Pangai palm-off
The Knights may have tried to sign him previously but take it as read Tevita Pangai Jnr is not in the club's sights now despite suddenly becoming available again.
He can be a dynamic attacker but the Knights don't see the Broncos backrower as a player to build a good culture around. For similar reasons despite the fact they are chasing an established centre, they won't be going near Wests Tigers' James Roberts.
One player they are still tossing around is Storm forward Dale Finucane. Coach Adam O'Brien is a huge fan and Finucane certainly fits the culture bill. But the doubt is his best work on the field may be behind him and a deal longer than a season or two could be a risk.
Women's worries
It remains to be seen if the NRL has sold the Knights down the garden path when it comes to the expanded NRL Women's competition. But already the signs aren't great.
The Knights have done the governing body a huge favour by agreeing to enter a team in the competition this season, 12 months ahead of schedule to help the expansion push. In return, we presume some concessions were given and promises made in and around player recruitment.
The last thing the Knights and their coach Blake Green want to do is put together a totally experienced side devoid of any big names and be cannon fodder for the already established clubs like the Roosters, Broncos and Dragons.
But we're told there has already been a big push-back from many of the leading players to the proposed equalisation player draft the NRL want to bring in. The NRL has asked the Knights to be patient.
Clearly though, there is major work to be done when a local girl like Hannah Southwell, who has been playing for the Roosters but still lives and works in the Hunter, is not jumping out of her skin to be involved with her hometown franchise in its debut season.
An Australian rep, she should be about to become the face of the new Knights' franchise. Instead, she says she is committed to the Roosters and "not looking to leave anytime soon".
Unprecedented access
If you're a Knights fan, you don't want to miss Monday's edition of the Newcastle Herald.
Coach Adam O'Brien has given us unprecedented dressingroom access to himself and the players before, during and after the Knights clash against the Warriors at McDonald Jones Stadium today.
We'll be there to witness the final build-up first hand and we'll be privy to O'Brien's pre-game message and tactics, his half-time address to his players and all the dressingroom action post-game.
It's a real crunch game for the Knights and as always, we'll have the very best coverage.
DSaf leads the field
Origin prop Daniel Saifiti has slipped three points ahead of the field in our player of the year standings as his brother Jacob makes his move after 14 rounds. The twins were the Knights best in the loss to the Eels last weekend. JSaf is seven points behind his brother.
Knights v Eels: 3 Jacob Saifiti 2 Daniel Saifiti 1 Mitch Barnett
Leader board after Rd 14: 15- Daniel Saifiti. 12- Connor Watson. 10- Kalyn Ponga. 9- Jayden Brailey, Mitch Barnett. 8- Jacob Saifiti 5- Tyson Frizell, Bradman Best, 4- Brodie Jones. 3- Kurt Mann. 1- David Klemmer, Jesse Sue, Phoenix Crossland, Josh King.
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