Newcastle entered 2025 with expectations of finishing somewhere around the edge of the top eight.
Instead, the Knights crashed to an unexpected wooden spoon, a result that stunned the fanbase and ended the tenure of head coach Adam O'Brien.
The squad was never short on talent. At their best they defended with grit and scrambled hard, but a failure to build consistent combinations in the spine, constant reshuffling of key positions, a drop in confidence, and an inability to finish attacking sets left them stuck in a cycle of close losses and late-game collapses.
The club has responded with a major recruitment drive. Dylan Brown arrives on a ten-year, thirteen-million-dollar mega-deal. Trey Mooney joins to stiffen the middle rotation. Sandon Smith comes from the Roosters to add creativity, depth and a reliable goal-kicking option. Dominic Young has returned mid-season to reclaim his right-wing spot. With Bradman Best, Dylan Lucas, Phoenix Crossland and Fletcher Sharpe already in place, the Knights now have the makings of a top-eight roster on paper.
These are the five players who must rise for Newcastle to return to finals football.
3. Dylan Lucas
Why his role is so important
Lucas developed into one of the Knights' most dependable edge forwards. With Brown and Ponga likely attacking down the left, Lucas becomes a crucial link man in both defence and attack. When Lucas hits good lines and provides clean options for his halves, the entire edge functions more fluently.
What must improve
Lucas' defensive reads need to tighten. Newcastle were exposed often on their edges and Lucas found himself making too many recovery tackles. He also needs to increase his involvement with the ball. His physicality can bend the line and open space for Ponga and Brown.
Lucas has the potential to be a top-tier edge forward. The Knights need that rise now.
