During the current free agency window, the Newcastle Knights are expected to make a serious move for Melbourne Storm half Jonah Pezet.
Under Peter Parr’s leadership, the Knights are starting to resolve their pay cap problems. After Daniel Saifiti signed a contract with the Dolphins, they were able to let him go early, and they have tapped a number of other players on the shoulder to reaffirm that they will not be staying with the team for the long run.
As a result, the Knights were able to offer off-contract striker Leo Thompson an improved contract in addition to going out to bid, and it now seems that Pezet, who has long been regarded as one of the game’s top young prospects, has taken precedence.
With Jack Cogger, Jackson Hastings, Phoenix Crossland, and Tyson Gamble unable to secure spots for 2024, the Knights have had a rotating roster in the halves lately.
The Knights have determined that Pezet is the player they wish to add to the team, and Hastings is unlikely to stay past the end of 2025.
According to the source, Pezet has already had a dinner meeting with the Knights during the Storm’s ongoing contract negotiations.
According to reports, Pezet, who is managed by Braith Anasta, has previously told the Storm that he would only re-sign if his contract included provisions allowing him to leave in the event that Jahrome Hughes’ current contract expires at the end of 2026.
Now, however, salary cap difficulties may have the greatest impact on Melbourne. Hughes will demand more than $1 million per season until 2027 and beyond, and the club is expected to re-sign Ryan Papenhuyzen any day soon, further taxing their books.
In contrast, Pezet is thought to be worth about $600,000 annually, and the Knights are rumored to have offered him a four-year contract. It’s unknown if the Storm will try to pool resources in an attempt to keep the New Zealand international or if they will match that offer should they wish to move on from Hughes.
After missing most of the 2024 season due to an ACL injury, Pezet might be nearing a decision before he returns to the field.