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.
2. Dominic Young
Why his role is so important
Dominic Young returning mid-season was a huge coup. At his best he is one of the most damaging right-wingers in the sport. His combination with a quality half and centre can transform Newcastle's entire right-side attack.
With Bradman Best dominating the opposite edge, Newcastle suddenly have dual-edged strike again.
What must improve
Young's finishing is elite but his yardage work and defensive decision-making must become more reliable. Newcastle conceded too many soft edge tries and Young was guilty of rushing or holding when the situation demanded the opposite.
If he tightens those areas, Newcastle's right edge becomes a genuine weapon again.
