Leading Knights try-scorer Enari Tuala's explosive season finish will count for little in 2022

Tuala's future in Newcastle was anything but assured at times last season with his form only so-so during the opening 17 rounds when he played in the centres.

Up until that point, he had scored just two tries and rarely been a threat in attack. But then came coach Adam O'Brien's decision to push him out to the wing outside Bradman Best.

It changed everything.

In his final seven games, Tuala crossed 11 times, including hattricks against Canberra and in the side's semifinal loss to Parramatta.

Suddenly, not only were the Knights keen to keep him on board, there was also interest from rival NRL clubs.

"His price definitely went up thanks to what he did at the back end of the season,"Knights head of recruitment Clint Zammit said.

"He had some interest elsewhere but the good thing for us was he never wanted to go anywhere else. He's a great young kid 'Nars' - someone you can always rely on both on and off the field.

"I think he's only missed one game in two seasons as well so he has been great value for us."

As is his way, the 23-year-old was quick to deflect praise for the way he finished the season to the likes of Kalyn Ponga and Bradman Best.

"It was pretty good how it turned out for me but most of the time, I didn't have to do a whole lot," he said. "The boys put it on a platter for me most times."

As for looking at options elsewhere, he said: "I never wanted to go anywhere else. It's a great club and we're definitely heading in the right direction. I want to be a part of that."

With Dane Gagai linking with the club to play with Best in the centres, Tuala knows wing is more than likely where his future now lies.

But despite showing he knows how to finish off tries with the best of them, he understands there will be plenty of competition for spots in 2022 and is not taking anything for granted.

The likes of Dom Young, Starford To'a and Brayden Musgrove all tasted the top grade last season on the wing and will be hungry to take another step forward.

Young, in particular, has been a real standout among the younger brigade at pre-season training, earning praise from O'Brien.

"There's going to be plenty of competition among the boys which is really healthy and there are no guarantees for anyone," Tuala said.

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