Andrew Johns believes the Newcastle Knights will make a serious play for Melbourne Storm\u2019s Jonah Pezet, with the 22-year-old now free to explore his options following Jahrome Hughes\u2019 contract extension.<\/p>\n
With Pezet’s pathway to the Storm No.7 jersey now effectively blocked, speculation is mounting that the rising playmaker could fetch up to $900,000 a season if he chooses to move, and Johns says the Knights should be first in line.<\/p>\n
MORE:\u00a0Reynolds joins select club after Rabbitohs romp<\/a><\/p>\n \u201cThe Knights are desperate for a halfback, so I’m sure they’ll be interested in talking to Jonah,\u201d the Immortal said on Wide World of Sports\u2019 Immortal Behaviour<\/a>. \u201cThere’s not many halfbacks around, so he could pick his club really.\u201d<\/p>\n Pezet\u2019s patience running out as Dragons, Knights circle<\/p>\n Pezet had previously turned down an offer from Newcastle to stay in Melbourne, but a release clause linked to Hughes’ future has now been triggered. With Jackson Hastings on his way out of the Knights and no long-term successor locked in, the timing may suit both parties.<\/p>\n \u201c… he’s done his apprenticeship, he’s been in the lower grades and had a couple of knee injuries that have kept him out, but he’s 22 now, so he’s ready to go. He can’t wait in reserve grade for another two or three years,\u201d Johns added.<\/p>\n