Mark Gasnier believes Nathan Brown is the right man for the job at Newcastle and says the new coach should have the team he wants moving forward.

“The core of the 17 is there, and hopefully Brown is given a bit of free rein to develop the roster he wants” Gasnier wrote for foxsports.com.au.

“It’s so important for clubs to involve the coach heavily in their recruitment and retention.

“If a coach is in charge of a group of players he doesn’t want, you’re not going to get the best our of the team.

“I don’t know the Knights’ salary cap situation, but fingers crossed Browny can get his teeth sunk in to the roster as soon as possible.

“There’s a lot of young talent floating about that is crying out for a Nathan Brown to take hold and bring it up to the big time.

“Newcastle had such a rich pool of players for a long time that the supporters probably started to take it for granted.

“With Browny at the helm, hopefully the club can return to those glory days.”

Newcastle finish their season against Penrith in a battle for the wooden spoon.