After finishing the 2025 NRL season in last place, the Newcastle Knights will need to rely on the next generation of young players coming through the ranks as they aim to return to the finals under Justin Holbrook and claim the first premiership since 2001.
Over the past couple of years, the likes of Cody Hopwood, Connor Votano, Fletcher Hunt, Fletcher Sharpe and Jermaine McEwen have been introduced to the NRL after successfully progressing through the club's ranks.
So...who's next?
2. Toby Winter
Born in 2007, Toby Winter may only be 18 years of age, but he has already solidified himself as one of the best prospects at the Newcastle Knights and is coming off a stellar campaign, which saw him named in the 2025 Australian Schoolboys side and claim the Andrew Johns Medal Player of the Year.
Predominantly used at fullback or on the wing, the Under-18s City representative's ability with the ball in hand has also seen him used at five-eighth on a number of different occasions at club level and also for Hunter Sports High School.
Signed with the Knights on a long-term contract, he is set to progress straight through to the Under-21s Jersey Flegg Cup next season, despite being eligible for the SG Ball Cup competition for another year..
I often scratch my head and wonder why clubs that are no chance for the eight do not admit that once they have passed the half-way point of the season, and start giving their youngsters some decent game time.