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?
6. Sosaia Latu
Progressing onto the club's development list in 2026 before being upgraded into the Knights' Top 30 roster in 2028, Sosaia Latu joined the club in 2024 after relocating from New Zealand and is set to become a key piece of the side's back-line.
A promising winger with plenty of potential, he is still at the start of his career and will be eager to continue producing strong performances over the next couple of seasons as he continues to enhance his development and skill.
Primarily playing in the Under-21s Jersey Flegg Cup before making the move to reserve-grade, Latu scored three tries and averaged 93 running metres per match, showing his value on the wing in 11 NSW Cup appearances this 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.