Feb 17th, 2020

Feb 17th, 2020

The Knights have cut short attempts by rival clubs to poach much-improved prop Herman Ese'ese for this season.

Several clubs, headed by the Titans, have approached Newcastle hoping to snare the 25-year-old Kiwi Test prop.

Early last year, then Knights coach Nathan Brown was happy to let Ese'ese go and he almost went to the Warriors.

But the deal couldn't be done and the episode appeared the kick in the pants the big prop needed.

Ese'ese picked up his game and was a shining light for the Knights in a patchy season - and is close to signing a new deal for 2021 and beyond.

But that hasn't stopped the likes of Gold Coast - who are desperate for a prop after losing Ryan James to injury - to come knocking, only to be turned away.

Herman Ese'ese (C). (AAP)

INJURY BLOW FOR WARRIORS

The Warriors have been hit by a major blow before a ball has been kicked in anger this season.

Hard-working prop Bunty Afoa has suffered a serious knee injury and is likely to miss a large slice of the season.

The injury has ramifications in both hemispheres - the Warriors have been shopping fellow prop Sam Lisone to several English clubs over the summer.

But now Afoa is down and out, the club will keep Lisone on deck to fill the void.

Warriors prop Bunty Afoa. (Getty)

RAIDERS ROOKIE STAKES NRL CLAIM

There were plenty of youngsters who caught the eye in last weekend's NRL Nines - and none moreso than Raiders rookie Matthew Timoko.

A centre/winger from Auckland, the 20-year-old scored two tries in his first game in the big time against the Titans and never looked back.

Another player found by the Raiders' recruitment guru Peter Mulholland, Timoko has been pencilled in to the Raiders' development squad this season.

But the youngster, who helped the Raiders to the 2019 Jersey Flegg grand final, could get a taste of NRL football if he continues to improve.

Raiders ace Matthew Timoko crosses for a Nines try. (Getty)

EELS LOSE YOUNG STAR TO KNIGHTS

The Eels have lost one of their best young forwards to Newcastle next season.

Toni Mataele, who turns 18 this year, is a former NSW under-16 representative who was on the bucket list of several clubs.

Wide World of Sports reported last month that the Knights were favourites to sign the tall youngster and the deal is now done.

A meeting with Knights coach Adam O'Brien - who is looking at the long term in his approach - clinched the deal.

Second-rower Mataele will play in the Knights' development squad next season before being pushed up into the top grade squad in 2022.