Newcastle Knights criticised over 'surprise' move for player from rival NRL club
It means Arthur - who has been stuck in reserve grade behind Manly halves Daly Cherry-Evans and Luke Brooks - will link up with Newcastle and his younger brother, Matthew, effective immediately. The son of former Parramatta coach Brad Arthur, Jake has only played seven NRL games for Manly since joining the club in 2023 and has failed to have much of an impact when he's come in to replace DCE during previous Origin periods.
And O'Brien's move for the 22-year-old playmaker has left NRL commentator Andrew Voss and veteran league reporter David Riccio scratching their heads. O'Brien has struggled to settle on his preferred halves combination after chopping and changing numerous times over the past few seasons.
However, Fletcher Sharpe has cemented his status as Newcastle's long-term No.6 after a superb season in 2025, despite a horrific injury last week that looks to have ended his season. The Knights also signed Eels playmaker Dylan Brown on a massive 10-year, $13 million deal from next season, with the Kiwi Test star and Sharpe expected to be Newcastle's halves pairing in 2026.
The Knights also have current No.7 Jack Cogger and Phoenix Crossland as playmaking options. While O'Brien has recently recalled big-money flop Jackson Hastings into his starting side, despite previously indicating he won't be at the club next season.
Speaking on SEN radio, Voss questioned the wisdom behind O'Brien's decision to add another half into the equation, who's struggled to crack it at NRL level. 'Why do Newcastle need Jake Arthur in their roster?' Voss said.
'They have had 75 different halves combinations and they don't need another hooker. Where does he fit in the top 30? Why do they think they need him? They are in surplus. They don't need another half. Jackson Hastings has only played two games this year."
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The move is even more difficult to fathom considering Newcastle allowed young prop Bryan to join Manly. The 22-year-old is sidelined with injury and won't play the rest of this season but for a club that has struggled in the middle forward department in 2025, Bryan would have offered the Knights much-needed depth next year.
Newcastle allowed Daniel Saifiti to leave for the Dolphins at the end of last season and are set to lose Kiwi Test prop Leo Thompson to the Bulldogs next year. England back-rower Kai Pearce-Paul will also depart the club after this season to link up with the Tigers from 2026. And Riccio insists the Knights simply have to add more quality to their forward rotation.
'(Newcastle must target) middle forwards. It just has to be," he said. "I just can't get my head around as to why this footy club can't identify where they are going to struggle next year... their pack has been found thin at various times this year. The forward pack has always been the concern. It's surprising to me. I can't answer the question of where he (Arthur) is going to play. I think he plays in the halves for NSW Cup.'
The Knights - who are on the bye this weekend - have also decided not to take up a club option to extend veteran centre Dane Gagai, despite his strong form this season. The former Maroons Origin star is on around $400,000 but Newcastle have opted to focus on keeping hold of their younger talent, and Gagai admits he'd have no qualms moving back to Sydney to play for a rival club next year if it comes to it.
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