LeagueNews.co | Jason Patrick
The Newcastle Knights have lost promising young forward Will Cannavo to the Manly Sea Eagles just months after he was named captain of their SG Ball Cup team.
Despite being viewed as a potential standout from the Knights' development system, the back-rower, who had been set for promotion to the club's development list next season, has opted for a three-year contract with Manly.
He made his NSW Cup debut against his former club shortly after the move.
Reports indicate that Cannavo's departure was influenced by feedback regarding his playing standard, as he was informed that he did not meet the necessary criteria to be an NRL developmental player, according to The Newcastle Herald.
Known for his hard work on the field, Cannavo's journey has additional layers; he is the son of Blake Cannavo, a controversial advisor with personal and business connections to Knights' Chief Executive Phil Gardiner.
This development marks another setback for the Knights' pathways system, losing yet another talent to rival NRL clubs.