Clint Newton spent about 6 years at Knights junior elite club Valentine/Eleebana and about another 10 years at the Knights from age 14 or 15 till his mid twenties - then he spent a year at Melbourne.
He was never more than a fringe player at the Knights except for maybe 2 seasons including the one where we won the wooden spoon. He was on far more than he was worth, and wouldn't take a paycut, so he walked out.

In short - he improved heaps when he left the Knights, and Melbourne didn't have time to get the best out of him.

Just looked up Newton's wiki page, and he played 15 games for Melbourne in 2007.
He did his pre season with Newcastle but walked out without playing a game. He didn't debut for Melbourne till round 13 after he sorted out his legal issues - so basically his time at Melbourne was half a season and didn't include a pre season.

didnt newton play in the grand final for melbourne

and dragging in a high paid player mid season wasn't a salary cap rort at all.

ah that was clearly a communication issue, melbourne thought they had the same sort of salary cap exemption that warrington appear to enjoy over here

East Hull lad.

He played a few games for Newcastle in 2007.

I think I remember he quit because Newcastle told him he wouldn't get another deal after 2007, nothing to do with a pay cut.

You remember wrong.
He was offered a reduced contract and chucked a hissy fit and walked out.
He got away with it because of his old man's influence.
Brian Smith thought most of the team were on more than they were worth, and he was pretty right.

Why would Smith ask him to take a pay cut half way through the season when he was ooc at the end of it?

Can we get back to Constantine Mika perhaps?

Reminds me of a certain back rower from across the city. If he's anywhere near as good as him, i for one, will be happy.

Me too. Especially if he gets selected for England.

dous eny body know if they have signed for sure