Knights' Future Is In Safe Hands

Newcastle Herald

Thursday August 24, 2006

PETER STERLING

WHISPERS from astute judges in the Newcastle area over the past couple of years have always been very strong about a talented school student coming through the ranks.

While it is dangerous to add the label "the next big thing", those who have watched Jarrod Mullen progress to the NRL have had little doubt the kid would make it.

From what I've seen in his 20 top-grade appearances, it seems fairly obvious the Knights are on a winner.

In a hectic 2005, Jarrod was able to juggle junior representative and club football with eight matches in first grade. An awful year with injuries for Newcastle saw Michael Hagan forced to call on the services of a number of youngsters maybe a touch earlier than he would have liked.

Mullen appeared the most comfortable of those, especially considering the pressure of taking over in the halves, generally in the absence of Andrew Johns.

While being put into such difficult situations at an early age is tough at the time, it usually proves to be invaluable experience down the track.

And Mullen is definitely an investment for the future, especially for when Johns's career finally winds down.

After players like Joey have been such a dominant presence in key positions for so long, they are always extremely difficult to replace.

It is no coincidence that the retirement of the likes of Brad Fittler and Allan Langer had an immediate impact on their respective teams.

The Roosters were forced to go outside their club to sign a representative five-eighth in Braith Anasta.

This year the tri-colours again missed the finals, and Anasta has struggled through a forgettable year.

For many, the jury is still out on how successful his signing will prove.

Brisbane, post-Langer, have promised plenty but delivered little. Wayne Bennett has used a variety of No.7s but still has not found a regular ally for Darren Lockyer. Things will only get worse when the current Broncos skipper retires.

If I were a staunch Knights fan, I'd be feeling a degree of confidence and some relief in the knowledge that Mullen promises to make the loss of Johns less painful.

He has an impressive passing game, an off-season on the weights will help defensively, and he boasts the best kicking game for a young player I've seen in the past decade.

Evidence of that is how comfortable Johns is to share that responsibility, even at this early point in time.

Jarrod may be relatively small in stature but any question of having the necessary toughness was well and truly answered in Townsville on Saturday night.

There are few injuries more painful than a sternum problem, and no amount of needles seem to mask the severe discomfort.

It is an injury that can't be hidden in battle, so to have had such a positive influence under those circumstances was particularly impressive.

The Knights' win over the Cowboys was just their 16th from their past 53 without Andrew Johns in the side. Furthermore, it was the first victory from their past 11 showings with the champion halfback absent.

I am tipping that percentage will continue to improve sharply with the arrival of Mullen on the scene.

Having something of a pedigree also won't hurt his chances. His dad, Steve, was a wholehearted back-rower/front-rower for Canterbury back in the early 1980s, racking up 15 appearances in 1982. Anyone who was good enough to make the Dogs pack in those tough times should be well satisfied.

I think Steve will get extra satisfaction in watching his young bloke make his own mark more than 20 years later.

Peter Sterling can be heard with David and Tanya

at 7.20 every Friday morning on 102.9 KO FM

© 2006 Newcastle Herald

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