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?
8. Aidan Gow
Unlucky to miss out on being named in the 2025 Under-19s NSW Blues squad, Aidan Gow will enter next season after a standout last 12 months which saw him score an impressive 20 tries in nine SG Ball Cup matches before making his Under-21s Jersey Flegg Cup debut, a few months later.
Known for his speed and size, the Leichhardt Wanderers junior is an absolute jet down the edge of the sidelines and will look to learn off the likes of Dominic Young and Dane Gagai before pushing for a regular spot in first-grade over the next few years.
Still only 19 years old, he recently inked a long-term contract with the Knights, which includes several NRL components and will also train with the first-grade squad.
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.