Knights coach tips Levi for Kiwis

Newcastle Knights coach Nathan Brown is tipping Danny Levi to make it into the Kiwis’ World Cup squad.

The 21-year-old Wellingtonian has recently signed a new contract at the Knights to remain at the club until 2020.

Brown sees Levi as being an integral part of the future of the Knights and believes he’s a player on the rise, who would benefit from rubbing shoulders with Issac Luke in a black and white jersey.

‘‘Stephen Kearney saw enough of him last year to have him as the 19th man (for the Anzac Test) and he’s improved a lot since then,’’ Brown said.

‘‘That’s not only physically, but his ability to use other people in the team in a better way.

‘‘I’d like to think that if Danny can train well, put the team first and have a good, consistent NRL season, I’d love to see him go on a tour and work with an Issac Luke.

‘‘Issac is a good experienced player and the more these younger kids get to be around players who’ve been there for a long time, that’s more of a benefit for the Knights. Any time one of our players can mix with the Kiwis, that’s great for us.

‘‘I’d love to see Danny have a good year for us and mix with those guys at the end of the season (at the World Cup), but firstly we need him to play consistently well for the Knights and if he does that I’m sure his reward will come at the end of the year.’’

Kiwis coach David Kidwell is likely to go with Luke as his hooker for next month’s Anzac test in Canberra, although Levi could be on standby if there’s an injury to the Warriors No 9.

But it’s later in the year where Levi is most likely to make his test debut, when the Kiwis co-host the World Cup, with Lewis Brown used in more of a utility role.

Brown says Levi, who moved to Australia as a youngster, has got a greater understanding of the hooker’s role over the past 12 months and has a better grasp on when to run or pass.

‘‘Danny Buderus put a lot of time into him,’’ Brown said. ‘‘His fitness levels and training levels have improved a lot, while his game is improving too.

‘‘I’m very hopeful of Danny having a good, long term career.’’