Jesse Ramien has all but certainly played his last game for Newcastle after sensationally being given permission to negotiate with rival NRL clubs.
The surprise decision comes in the same week Ramien was one of four players dropped by Knights coach Nathan Brown for Sunday’s clash with Manly.
“The decision this week to drop Ramien from the NRL side prompted discussions for the centre to find a new home,” the Knights said in a statement.
“These talks were mutual and the Knights have given Ramien’s management approval to negotiate. The Knights wish him all the best.”
Ramien was trumpeted as a “long-term option” when the club announced his signing on a two-year deal in February last year.
And the 22-year-old was mentioned as a possible NSW State of Origin contender during the Knights’ winning streak earlier this year.
However, speculation had been rife in recent weeks about the former Cronulla three-quarter being unhappy at the club.
It appeared though that Brown had eased any concerns about Ramien’s future when he praised his performance in their last-start loss to the Wests Tigers.
“He was far better tonight, Jess. He was far, far better tonight. I expect him to improve again next week,” Brown said.
Ramien scored just two tries in 17 games this year, averaging 101 metres from 12 carries per game, and totalling 71 tackle busts and eight offloads.
Ramien is among a handful of players seemingly on the outer in the Hunter, with Danny Levi and Herman Ese’ese also dropped for the Sea Eagles game.
Brown has opted to shift Hymel Hunt from the wing into the centres, with utility Kurt Mann on the flanks for the match at Lottoland.