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?
3. Francis Manuleleua
Unlucky not to make his NRL debut last season, Francis Manuleleua is the best young forward prospect yet to play in first-grade at the Newcastle Knights and has continually shown glimpses of his powerful running ability and ability to offload the ball in the lower grades.
Previously involved in the Penrith Panthers system, the New Zealand-born product featured in 20 NSW Cup matches this year in which he scored eight tries, made 12 line-breaks, averaged 103 running metres per game and put together 408 total tackles at an efficiency rate of 90.9 per cent.
Contracted at the club for another two seasons, it can be expected that he will push for a regular spot in the first-grade line-up and will be an absolute weapon on the edge of the field, just like Jermaine McEwen.
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.