2020 hooker (and Fainu disc.)

[XV-1]

We haven't had 4 hookers at the club since Eddie Hayson stopped hanging around

Surprised Foran doesn't want to re-sign to the Eagles.

 

[Tragic Eagle]

I consider him a necessary and important signing if we can make it happen.

 

[40 nil]

His style of play will suit chez and Turbo through the middle.

I am not very confident about Manase rejoining the team this year, so signing a ready made first grade hooker would be a useful. I think Levi with our big mobile pack around him, would thrive under Des. After Cooke, I think he may be the fastest dummy half in the competition (if Ipape makes it to NRL, he would be faster). We have several no. 14 options with possibly Cust being the front runner at this stage. If Des decides to sign no one at all and to develop the players we already have, I would also be happy with that.

 

[ALinda]

Don't know if this has been posted before. Danny Levi's highlights with the Knights - effective defence, good ball distribution & some sharp runs from dummy half.

Thanks @40 nil and you've summed up his skills well.

Impressive...get the deal done, I say!

 

[Highflier]

He wasn’t good enough for Newcastle .... but he is good enough for us! Just sayin

Nathan Brown
Just sayin

 

[Technical Coach]

I think he will be a new player under Des ,thrilled if he makes it here.

Sharp and engaging around the ruck with well timed short passing is all the video shows but definitely a player with good foundations to work off.(DCE and Tom as stated in other posts will love pushing up through the middle off his sharpness around the ruck)

Strong nuggety physique that should be able to handle some one on one tackling, hopefully has strong forearms also for an effective crisp long passing game off the ground and not requiring a delay to wind up.

The vid doesn't show much though, doesn't show any great defending moments other than assisting, every pass is short and direct while engaging the markers very well.(which is good but you need more than that for a dangerous lateral attack with variety)

How is his work rate like off the ball, does he clean up well for tiring forwards, does he have a kicking game, can he work the player over in defence, is he vocal and confident.

For Manly to go another level in attack we have to go beyond the pushing up through the middle sharp plays and taking advantage of the few quality second phase plays that are on offer each match.

 

[40 nil]

When is the next court appearance

Next court appearance is 3 February.

According to this report, the Levi signing is expected to be confirmed today or tomorrow.

Unwanted Knight poised to resurrect his career at arch-rival Manly

Levi faced the prospect of playing a season in NSW Cup if he remained at the Knights.

www.newcastleherald.com.au

 

[madmax]

Training the house down

He wasn’t good enough for Newcastle .... but he is good enough for us! Just sayin

Ummmm......good enough for us coz we have a far better line up around him! Even Api & Manase would look ordinary playing for the Knights with all the overrated players they have!

 

[double hoops]

It's a done deal clearly. Annoucement will be tomorrow for sure.

Oh well. If DES thinks the team can use him so be it.

Personally I think DES needs to sprinkle that magic of his with Levi still. 3 years ago he was great, but last year I thought his performances at the back end of 2019 were woeful for the knights.

No doubt he will have a point to prove. But he still has to deliver on the training paddock for mine.

I'll continue to pencil in Croker as starting hooker. Hope I am wrong.

 

[Briza]

It's a done deal clearly. Annoucement will be tomorrow.

Maybe Monday, apparently his manager is overseas untill tomorrow.

 

[tookey]

He wasn’t good enough for Newcastle .... but he is good enough for us! Just sayin

Reuben Garrick wasn't good enough for the dragons

 

[StuBoot]

The old reasoning of "...he wasn't good enough for..." has been shot down time and time again.

The biggest indicator for me if Des wants Levi or not is that he wants/needs an experienced #9, he let Api go with a view to Fainu being the one with Croker/Cust off the bench and could maybe tinker with who plays #6.
Is Walker his preferred 5/8 or centre?
If Fainu is goneski then that changes things, an experienced, coachable #9 with a point to prove is what's required, can't risk a makeshift #9 - Croker/Cust - if Schuster etc was in the mix at 5/8.

 

[Waz13]

Anybody who has watched Levi knows he can play. The knights have been a rabble for some time now and most player up there have gone backward of late. Change of scenery for Levi will do him good. I think he fits our style well and like the signing if it happens.

 

[robbiea]

Great insurance plan right there.

 

[eaglebuzz]

He looks exactly like the kind of hooker we need. Quick off the mark, able to read what's in front of him, and passes find their mark. If he can recapture that form then we might just have the best spine in the whole NRL this year.

 

[Briza]

Levi contract Apparently signed, hopefully hear something today.

 

[Woodsie]

Stats show he averaged 57 mins last year ..... anybody know if he Can he play 80 min ..?????

 

[Briza]

The more I pick apart his highlights vid the more I like his play, I believe he's a good like for like replacement for API.

 

[Kevinward777]

The more I pick apart his highlights vid the more I like his play, I believe he's a good like for like replacement for API.

He seems to be a much better passer of the football than API was, particularly in the red zone. (Going off his highlights only.)

 

[The '47ers]

Knights had been shopping around last year (for whatever reasons, on or off field who knows) but hopefully that leads to a good price/deal for us!