As the 2024 NRL season fast approaches, the Newcastle Knights look poised to capitalise on a fast finish to 2023.
Season Preview
After a tumultuous season in 2023, it was an ending to remember after their grit and determination saw them secure 10 straight wins, securing 10th position on the ladder.
This season they will carry the same confidence and cheerful outlook with a refreshed team and re-shuffle to the line-up, with the return of Kalyn Ponga, who has been absent due to concussion concerns.
There will be new additions to the Knights as international signings and rising young players Kai Pearce-Paul and Will Pryce join the team.
The Knights will also see the return of Jack Cogger to his debut club from premiership-winning side the Penrith Panthers. He is eager to show the Knights what he is made of, but he will have to compete with Tyson Gamble for a spot in the starting line-up.
The departures of Dominic Young and Lachlan Fitzgibbon was a big loss for the Knights this season.
Tom Jenkins is set to replace Young, with big shoes to fill. He is another player coming over from the Panthers (who he made his debut with). It could be up to Greg Marzhew to show him the way.
Jed Cartwright joins from the Rabbitohs on a two-year deal. He brings with him his versatility and unique skillset to be able to play in a multitude of positions; having previously played middle edge and forward roles, he also played backrow and centre positions for Souths.
Jacob Saifiti has inked a three-year extension with the Knights, signing until 2027. He brings his strength in running metres for the Knights, with his best total running metres for the season last year at 2,464.
Phoenix Crossland looks to be out with a knee injury and will miss Round 1; Krystian Mapapalangi will also be out with a pre-season shoulder injury, but this should not become a cause for concern for the Knights as plenty of fresh faces and stellar new talent are ready to take up the challenge.
Coach Adam O’Brien is also set to be the longest serving coach for the Knights, having inked a deal until the end of 2024.
With a powerful-looking Knights side, they could prove unbreakable this season, as they forge towards a premiership victory.
Best Signing
Embed from Getty ImagesThe best signing for the Knights is the acquisition of Jack Cogger. He brings with him a raft of experience and expertise from a successful season playing halfback for the Panthers, helping lead them to a premiership victory.
Key Player
Embed from Getty ImagesThe key player may well be Kalyn Ponga. After resting from numerous concussion concerns, he is back and ready to show his team what he is capable of. Ponga is a player that can provide leadership and guidance to his team; he can read his team and the gameplay well, and these capabilities can provide him with what he needs to assist the Knights in sealing a victory in 2024.
Player to Watch
Embed from Getty ImagesKai Pearce-Paul could be the most improved or breakout player for the team during the season: an up-and-coming youngster that could bring the energy and stamina the Knights need.
Having represented England at international level at the 2021 World Cup, and having played previously for the Wigan Warriors, Kai Pearce-Paul signed with the Knights until the end of the 2025 season. He is ready to prove his worth.
Number Crunching
Premiers: 2 (1997, 2001)
Minor Premierships: nil
10 years win/loss record: 87 wins, 150 losses, 3 drawn (36.3%)
5 years win/loss record: 54 wins, 64 losses, 2 drawn (45%)
2023 win/loss record: 14 wins, 9 losses, 1 drawn (58.3%)
NRL Finals Appearances since 2014: 3
NRL Finals win/loss record since 2014: 1 wins, 3 losses (25%)
Biggest win since 2014: 66, vs Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs (0-66, 2/7/23, Accor Stadium)
Biggest loss since 2014: 62, vs Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks (0-62, 15/5/16, McDonald Jones Stadium)
