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?
5. Lachlan Crouch
Returning to the Newcastle Knights after a one-year stint with the Newtown Jets, Lachlan Crouch is one to watch over the next few seasons and could easily find himself being a regular off the interchange bench in first-grade due to his versatility.
Signed at the club for the next three seasons, the hard-working forward stands at an impressive 191cm and 105kg and is strong on both ends of the field in attack and defence.
Before his time at Newtown, the 22-year-old started his junior career with the East Maitland Griffins and successfully progressed through the club's junior ranks where he won the Under-17s Harold Matthes Cup competition with the Knights in 2019.
“Lachie is a skilful player with a great motor. He is technically very sound with a great footy IQ, and there is no doubt he is one of the best props in the NSW Cup competition," Head of Recruitment Peter O'Sullivan said.
“Lachie had other options on the table, so we are really pleased he chose to come home to further his career. We know he will be a great addition to our 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.