Ins
Tyson Frizell (St George Illawarra Dragons, 2023), Blake Green (New Zealand Warriors, 2021), Bailey Hodgson (2023), Jack Johns (South Sydney Rabbitohs, 2021), Brayden Musgrove (Manly Sea Eagles, 2022), Garrett Smith (North Queensland Cowboys, 2021), Sauaso Sue (Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs, 2022), Dominic Young (2023)
Outs
Herman Ese'ese (Gold Coast Titans), Tim Glasby (retired), Aidan Guerra (retired), Mason Lino (Wakefield Trinity), Sione Mata'utia (St Helens RLFC), Andrew McCullough (St George Illawarra Dragons), Tautau Moga (South Sydney Rabbitohs)
The Knights returned to finals footy in 2020 and now look a better side as a result. Adam O'Brien has instilled a level of belief not seen in the Hunter for many seasons.
Although they were ultimately bounced from the finals in the first week, 2020 was all about returning to the promised land of knock out footy. They did so on the back of 11 wins and a draw from 20 games.
Pearce and Ponga lead the way in attack, with Kurt Mann proving a hugely unexpected spark across multiple positions. Andrew McCullough filled in extremely well at nine following injuries to Brailey then Watson.
Daniel Saifiti become an elite level prop beside his equally monsterous partner David Klemmer. Enari Tuala and Bradman best formed one of the best, young centre partnerships in the game.
The Knights went in hard for a rep regular second rower in the form of Tyson Frizell. The 29 year-old brings with 177 games of NRL experience as well as a stack of rep jerseys at both NSW and international level.
His arrival more than makes up for the loss of Aidan Guerra, who retires. Sauaso Sue and Jack Johns should both see plenty of regular first grade in 2021.
Ese'ese and Mata'utia are big outs, however neither would be absolute locks in the current Knights set up. McCullough filled in for the Knights nicely but leaves the club after his short stint.
The output of Tyson Frizell will completely dictate the result of the Knights recruitment. If he stars then Newcastle have smashed this out of the park. If not, then I can't see any of the other ins making a huge impression right away.
See Zero Tackle's own Dan Nichols over at Rugby League Outlaws
- Ponga's Delayed Start: Kalyn Ponga is set to miss the opening few rounds, up to possible four, due to injury. Newcastle are far from a one man side, however at times they have fallen victim of relying on their superstar number one. As good as young Tex Hoy is, fans can't expect him to be Ponga across the opening month of the competition. As strange as this sounds the early injury could prove a blessing in disguise. Newcastle now have a month to learn how to play without Ponga through necessity.
- Halves Must Fire: Despite the aforementioned brilliant season by Kurt Mann, the Knights never truly settled on a halves partner for Mitchell Pearce. That must change in 2021. Phoenix Crossland has been named in the six for the last trial and looks the most likely to partner the former captain. Kurt Mann could find himself back in the role at some stage, while Conor Watson is always an option. Given Pearce has lost the captaincy he'll now be 100% focused purely on his role as the side's main creator. That could be a plus. It's down to Crossland, who is yet to start at NRL level and Mann who is probably better suited elsewhere.
- How to use Conor Watson?: There is no doubt that the Knights have to get the most out of Conor Watson to put themselves in the best spot to play finals footy again. He's a brilliant, young player who can do it all. That said, he's yet to fully nail down a regular position. It looks as though he'll play lock in the early rounds. I'm not sure that's the best use of the creative speedster however we will find out. If he can find his feet and give the Knights a regular 13 then that's one less question they have to answer.
8th
There is a lot to like in this Newcastle outfit. Ponga and Pearce are amongst the elite playmakers in the competition. Klemmer and Saifiti form arguably the best starting prop combination in the game.
Tuala and Best will give plenty of opposition centre pairings nightmares. Frizell's arrival also rounds outs a more than handy forward pack. Lachlan Fitzgibbon is still one of the most underrated players running around.
Young Jayden Brailey returns after a near season-long injury.
Unfortunately though, the lack of a standout option at six, a huge question in Watson at 13, and a bench that looks as though it lacks the impact of many sides around them, pose too many questions.
On their day the Knights look as though they can go large and blow many sides off the park. Equally though there will be days where they'll be beaten soundly.
If Watson fires at 13 and Mann improves again on last season and Brailey returns to his best and Ponga returns on fire and ... as you can see, there are far too many questions here.
That said, they're better than eight other sides and will finish in the finals before another first round exit.