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?
1. Matthew Hunter
Poached earlier in the year from the Parramatta Eels, where he was their Under-21s Jersey Flegg Cup captain, Matthew Hunter is set to be a key piece of the Knights' long-term future and can play in several different roles, such as in the halves, at hooker and even in the fullback spot.
Contracted until the end of 2028, he is not just extremely talented with the ball in his hands but has incredible football intelligence and is destined to have a long career in the NRL.
Seen as one of the best young playmakers in rugby league, he is set to be fast-tracked into the NRL and even made ten appearances in the NSW Cup during the 2025 season, in which he scored five tries, forced four drop-outs and provided five try assists and seven line-break assists.
“Matt is a talented half or five-eighth, who I believe could also play fullback," the club's Head of Recruitment, Peter O'Sullivan, said.
“He has jumped out of the ground in NSW Cup this year, playing in red hot form, scoring tries and creating try assists on a frequent basis.
“With a great feel and instinct for the game, and given time to develop his body, we strongly believe he will be an NRL player of the future."
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.