Get ready for an exciting NRL season in 2026! We've got an exclusive preview, and it's a must-read for any rugby league fan. The Newcastle Knights are in dire need of a turnaround, and this season could be their chance to shine.
Last season was a disaster, with the Knights finishing at the bottom and facing major changes. The sacking of coach Adam O'Brien and an abysmal attack left fans disappointed. The team failed to score in an astonishing 14 halves of play, a potential NRL record! O'Brien's constant lineup changes didn't help, leaving the Knights in a tough spot.
But here's where it gets interesting... The Knights have a new coach, Justin Holbrook, who has some exciting plans. He's brought in some big names, including Dylan Brown, a $13 million recruit, and ex-Rooster Sandon Smith. With these additions, the Knights now have some real attacking threats. Holbrook has already included them in his squad for the upcoming game against the Cowboys in Vegas. It's a fresh start, and we might see some strategic moves during the game.
While the attack was a major issue, the defense wasn't much better. The Knights suffered 10 losses by more than 20 points, which is a tough pill to swallow. However, there's hope! If the halves can work together and create space for their outside players, the Knights have some serious strike power. Players like Kalyn Ponga, Bradman Best, Dane Gagai, and Dom Young are known try scorers and can make a real impact.
There are also some promising young forwards, like Dylan Lucas, who could be a State of Origin contender if the Blues focus on form. Rising back-rower Elijah Salesa-Leaumoana is another player to watch, and he's expected to get plenty of game time.
Overall, the Knights look much stronger on paper this year. They could be one of the NRL's biggest improvers. But will it be enough to move up the ladder?
Let's take a look at the key additions and departures:
Gains:
- Dylan Brown (Parramatta Eels)
- Peter Hola (The Dolphins)
- Asu Kepaoa (Penrith Panthers)
- Trey Mooney (Canberra Raiders)
- Pasami Saulo (Canberra Raiders)
- Sandon Smith (Sydney Roosters)
Losses:
- Jake Arthur (Hull FC)
- Jayden Brailey (Canberra Raiders)
- Paul Bryan (Manly Sea Eagles)
- Jack Cogger (Penrith Panthers)
- Adam Elliott (South Sydney Rabbitohs)
- Brock Greacen (Castleford Tigers)
- Jack Hetherington (Melbourne Storm)
- Riley Jones (Cronulla Sharks)
- Jye Linnane (New Zealand Warriors)
- Kai Pearce-Paul (Wests Tigers)
- Will Pryce (Hull FC)
- Sebastian Su'a (The Dolphins)
- Leo Thompson (Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs)
- Tyrone Thompson (rugby union)
The big question is, can the Knights turn things around? Their best buy, Dylan Brown, is a star in the making, but he has a lot of pressure on his shoulders to improve the team's attack. Kalyn Ponga, one of the most talented players in the NRL, will also be under the spotlight. With his recent injuries, he'll need to prove himself and work with the new recruits to get the Knights scoring again.
And this is the part most people miss... The departure of experienced players like Leo Thompson, Jayden Brailey, and Adam Elliott has left some concerns about the Knights' pack. Will they be able to compete against the bigger teams? It's a valid question, and one that will be answered on the field.
Last season, the Knights finished 17th, but this year, we predict a slight improvement, with a 16th-place finish. Here's our best 19-man squad:
Starting 17:
1. Kalyn Ponga
2. Fletcher Sharpe
3. Dane Gagai
4. Bradman Best
5. Dominic Young
6. Sandon Smith
7. Dylan Brown
8. Jacob Saifiti
9. Phoenix Crossland
10. Tyson Frizell
11. Jermaine McEwen
12. Dylan Lucas
13. Trey Mooney
Interchange:
14. Asu Kepaoa
15. Brodie Jones
16. Mat Croker
17. Elijah Salesa-Leaumoana
18. Thomas Cant
19. Matt Arthur
The Knights are currently priced at $51 to win the competition. Will they defy the odds and surprise everyone? Only time will tell.
What do you think? Are the Knights set for a successful season, or will they struggle? Let us know your predictions in the comments!
