Knights, Roosters lock horns over Armstrong after negotiation hiccups

David Armstrong is being pulled in two directions, with the off-contract NRL breakout now set to decide between staying at the Newcastle Knights or heading south to join the star-studded Sydney Roosters.

The door to Armstrong has been opened, The Sporting Base understands, after “hiccups” in negotiation talks left the 23-year-old unsigned beyond this NRL campaign.

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The Roosters—and really the rest of the NRL world—have been watching the young fullback closely in recent weeks, with the Knights backup deputising Kalyn Ponga while the Queensland superstar is sidelined. Outside a surprise stinker last Friday night, Armstrong has been a near like-for-like replacement and has shone brightly.

The Sporting Base believes Armstrong will stick with the Knights now that talks are progressing.

For Newcastle coach Adam O’Brien, re-signing Armstrong has been a “top priority.”

“There’s an offer in for him and I’d like to think he’s really happy here,” O’Brien told local paper the Newcastle Herald this week. “It’s been a whirlwind month for him but he’s handled it really well and everyone’s really proud of him.”

Newcastle’s top boss admitted there will definitely be “others looking at him for sure now,” but said he hopes loyalty will be the biggest factor in the young gun’s eventual contract decision. “We’ve stuck with him and given him his opportunity,” O’Brien said regarding extension talks, “so I’m hoping we can come to an agreement.”

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No matter where he chooses, Armstrong will likely stay as deputy; in Newcastle, he’s behind Ponga and in Sydney he would be playing second-fiddle to James Tedesco for at least another year.