You can’t say they aren’t putting in up at Newcastle. Knights veteran Peter Mata’utia turned talent scout during the recent representative round in a bid to lure player to the Hunter.

“I spoke to heaps of players over the test weekend,” he said.

“They all say we are improving and our future looks bright. Money comes into it as well but we just have to start winning and players will come. That will give them confidence to come here.

“We have to win for ourselves more than trying to get others players here. We deserve it, the town deserves it and hopefully we can start winning games.”

It’s expected star centre Dane Gagai will soon announce he is leaving to link with the South Sydney Rabbitohs.