KNIGHTS officials believe the inclusion of five youngsters from the Pacific Islands at their junior representative training camp this weekend shows Newcastle can enjoy the best of both worlds.
The Knights have made a public commitment to re-establishing Newcastle's reputation as one of rugby league's most productive nurseries.
And while emphasis has been placed on nurturing home-grown talent, Knights strategic-development manager Keith Onslow said there was still scope to import youngsters to supplement the ranks.
Onslow has trusted contacts in the Cook Islands, Papua New Guinea, Tonga and Samoa and extended an invitation for any talented teens from those nations to attend Newcastle's annual junior reps camp, which kicked off yesterday at Myuna Bay.
Tonga and Samoa declined but indicated they may become involved next year.
Papua New Guinea sent over two prospects, 15-year-olds Graham Ravu and Webster Manui. Both were recommended by former Knights winger Arnold Krewanty, who is now the PNG national chairman of selectors.
Daniel Matu, Basil Matapo (both 15) and Kairan Marsh (18) flew in from the Cook Islands.
Onslow said the program was more about "strengthening our networks and strengthening our brand name" than trying to expand the club's recruiting area.
But he added that there were plenty of natural athletes in the Pacific Islands with the potential to develop into NRL footballers.
Onslow said home-grown remained the club's preferred recipe.
"This club's charter will always be to promote its own, but you've also got to look outside to supplement any deficiencies," Onslow said.
"But this [program] is much bigger than that. This is about spreading the Knights brand name across the Pacific and other rugby league-playing nations, and giving kids there an opportunity to each year come and spend a few days with our club."
The hopefuls have joined Newcastle's under-16 and under-18 squads for a three-day camp. If they impress, the Knights will consider bringing them back on a longer-term arrangement.
Source: TheHerald.com.au