'Good battle': Who helped pave the way as Hunt for new centre looms at Knights

Newcastle's Fletcher Hunt has spent the last season or two learning the NRL ropes from experienced players around him.

or signup to continue reading

All articles from our website & app

The digital version of Today's Paper

That includes veteran representative Dane Gagai.

Knights utility Fletcher Hunt. Pictures by Marina Neil, Jonathan Carroll, Simon McCarthy

But with Kiwi-aligned Gagai moving clubs after the World Cup, there's now a vacancy at centre for the Knights next campaign.

A battle looms over the upcoming pre-season while the versatile youngster also comes off contract at the end of 2027, meaning he's free to talk with rivals from November 1.

However, with Hunt still in the current frame Broncos-bound Gagai may have just helped pave the way towards that No.3 jersey.

"Couldn't have asked for a better crew with Gags, and Friz [Tyson Frizell] and Saf [Jacob Saifiti]," Hunt told the Newcastle Herald.

"They've really paved the way for us younger boys.

"There's a good crop of young blokes now who have got a taste of it and understand what it takes to make it."

Hunt, who remained an unused reserve during Newcastle's finals run for 2026, admits "I'm still young and I'm still learning".

Who steps up to fill the void left by 35-year-old Gagai will be one of the key questions contemplated by the Knights over summer.

Hunt, with 18 tries from 30 NRL appearances since first getting called up in May last year, no doubt presents as one of the frontrunners to partner English flyer Dominic Young on that right edge.

Local product Toby Winter, who turned 19 just prior to debuting around two months ago, provides another option.

Outside backs like Wilson De Courcey (Broncos), Connor Votano (Bulldogs) and Kingston Seve (compassionate grounds) have recently departed from red-and-blue headquarters.

What does Hunt make of it all?

Pictures by Jonathan Carroll, Peter Lorimer, Marina Neil

"Yeah potentially [targeting Gagai's position], obviously that's something I want to work towards," he said.

"There's a lot of young guns coming through so it's going to be a good battle next pre-season, but I'll do my best to try and win that over.

He added; "Something that really drives us each week, being better than we were yesterday. It's going to be a good battle and it will better us [team] for it."

Hunt bounced around this season. From a string of 80-minute showings at fullback, centre and wing to various bench cameos and games stuck on the pine.

In terms of locking down a more regular role one day, the genuine Mr Fix-It simply replied: "hopefully".

But in the meantime: "I'm happy to play anywhere for Justo [recently re-signed coach Holbrook]. Playing under Justo is unreal so wherever he needs me I'll jump in and have a crack."

Hunt finds himself in a similar contract spot to Best, both with deals expiring at the end of next season.

How much any negotiations potentially impact one another at Newcastle remains to be seen, but the NRL market certainly opens up for free agents from next week.

Media speculation has swirled recently about Best, who has been linked to the Parramatta Eels.

Knights skipper and No. 1 Kalyn Ponga, plus try-scoring wingers Greg Marzhew and Young, each put pen to paper during the campaign just gone.

Hunt (centre) before the NRL grand final earlier this month. Picture by Jonathan Carroll

In relation to Newcastle's fairytale turnaround, wooden spoon to grand final in the space of 12 months, Hunt reckons he was "so grateful to be part of it."

"We're so connected now. The coach really laid down the law for us and we just jumped on board and followed," he said.

Hunt also reflected on the "buzz" around town leading up to the men's decider against the Roosters in Sydney.

"I don't think another another team has a fan base like Newcastle," he said.

"Driving out the day before and all the streets just lined with people. Bloody unreal. I don't think I had to pay for a feed on the Friday."

Hunt, who missed the recent Koori Knockout at Raymond Terrace, had his parents, three siblings and some mates in attendance at Accor Stadium on October 4.

Be the first to know when news breaks.