'Doesn't belong in first grade': NRL great criticises 'very average' Knights halfback as feud reignited
NRL great Willie Mason has once again criticised Tyson Gamble, claiming the Knights halfback "doesn't belong in first grade" in the midst of the side's losing streak.
Fresh off another disappointing performance on Sunday against the Sharks, Newcastle have now lost four games in a row after a solid start to their campaign.
Across their six games to date, the Knights have only managed to score a total of 60 points, making them by far the worst attacking team in the entire competition.
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Tyson Gamble and Willie Mason Getty
Gamble donned the No.7 jumper for the most recent loss - his only appearance in the top grade this year after overcoming a back injury - with Jack Cogger sidelined.
His performance against Cronulla drew a harsh reaction from Mason, reigniting their brief feud from the finals series two years ago.
"I know I've had my little tussle with him, but … he doesn't belong in first grade," Mason said on the Levels Network podcast.
"He's not a seven. He's a 14. He can't run that [team].
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"You can't have Gamble and [Fletcher] Sharpe as your halves … his kicking game is subpar. Everything is very, very average.
"He needs a lot of help around him. That's not the answer there."
Gamble has been used in a variety of roles since joining the Knights in 2023, but has struggled to lock down a regular starting spot under Adam O'Brien.
Jackson Hastings is another option for the side in the main playmaking role, but the former Man of Steel winner has fallen out of favour over the past 12 months.
Newcastle will welcome Dylan Brown to the club next year to play in the halves.
