The Benji-like trait Matty Johns sees in Sharpe

Following his performance against North Queensland, Matty Johns believes that Newcastle’s Fletcher Sharpe shares a similar trait to what Benji Marshall had.

In Sharpe’s first official NRL game since last June, the versatile back who played in the No. 6 jersey provided plenty of spark for Newcastle’s attack as they ran out to a 28-18 win against the Cowboys.

During his 25 minutes on the field before coming off with a PCL injury, the 21-year-old managed to score a try, assisting another while breaking five tackles.

Whilst not making a direct comparison between the two players, the 1997 Premiership player noted that there was a similarity in the way Sharpe and Marshall can 'transform' their teams.

“That first 15 minutes, he was the best player on the field by a mile,” Johns explained on SEN 1170 and SENQ’s The Run Home.

“He’s just vital. Sometimes a young player comes along, and you put them into a football side, and the side just transforms.

“I mean, Benji Marshall is a perfect example, and I’m not comparing young Fletch (Sharpe) to Benji.

“But jeez, the energy, the excitement and the way he played last year until he was injured.

“When he got injured, they never won a game after it.

“There are good signs for (coach) Justin Holbrook.”

While Sharpe has avoided the worst-case scenario on the injury front with a likely Round 3 return, Johns thinks the Knights need to take extra care when he returns to ensure he’s as effective as possible.

“I would be making sure every time Fletcher is on the field that he’s close to 100%,” he added.

“Because the way he played and watching the impact he has had since he has come into the NRL…the importance of him to that football side (is) not far away from the importance of Kalyn (Ponga).”

The Knights will hope to continue their form from Las Vegas when they take on the Manly Sea-Eagles at Brookvale Oval on March 1.