The 2019 NRL season is almost upon us and it's time to preview each team's chances at finals football for the season ahead.

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Newcastle Knights

Pro

Strong signings. The Knights were busy in securing handy signings that have bolstered their squad. Their starting 17 as a whole is so much stronger than when Nathan Brown began his tenure at the club. There's more players fighting for spots than in recent years and it's building a healthy competitiveness within the club.

Con

Too much expectation, too soon? The Knights have a very good squad this year which means they have higher expectations of a finals appearance this year. The Knights need to keep level heads to make sure they live up to the goals set by the coach rather than what people expect of them.

Best 17

  1. Connor Watson 2. Edrick Lee 3. Jesse Ramien 4. Shaun Kenny-Dowall 5. Nathan Ross 6. Kalyn Ponga 7. Mitchell Pearce 8. David Klemmer 9. Danny Levi 10. Herman Ese'ese 11. Aidan Guerra 12. Lachlan Fitzgibbon 13. Mitchell Barnett 14. Sione Mata'utia 15. Daniel Saifiti 16. Tim Glasby 17. Kurt Mann.

    WOLLONGONG, AUSTRALIA - FEBRUARY 23: David Klemmer of the Knights watches on during the NRL trail match between the St George Illawarra Dragons and the Newcastle Knights at WIN Stadium on February 23, 2019 in Wollongong, Australia. (Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)
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5 COMMENTS

  2. I seem to agree with a lot of these teams but really disagree with the knights. Tim Glasby, who started for the Storm and was apart of the QLD team from the last few years WILL NOT BE on the bench. I think Glasby will start at lock over Barnett who will be on the bench. Also I think SKD can’t play any defence and is only a wing now and he beats Nathan Ross. Sione Mata’utia will be the centre inside him. Obviously Ross won’t be in the bench so there’s a place for James Gavet there.

    Also with the West tigers no David Nofoaluma… No way does Josh Reynolds start round 1 in 6 over Benji. Benji was half the reason Brooks played so well last year and he deserves to start the year there. Reynolds is coming back off a huge lay off with injury and also offers ability to cover hooker off the bench. In the preseason game against the Warriors Benji rested the second half and Reynolds looked like he didn’t know the system or what to do.

    • I agree too. I left the tigers out because of salary cap dramas, Lawrence injury, old legs benji and Robbie, Zane Musgrove not registered and unsettled spine.

      The knights have the cattle. No excuses if they click.
      Brownie first coach sacked?

  3. Roosters have got plenty of depth with Mitchell can cover fullback, Lachlan Lam or Brock Lamb has 5/8 and half covered. Lindsay Collins will be on the bench and Nat Butcher will be the first in line as backup bench forward followed by Poasa Faamausili and Sitili Tupouniua as the next back up bench forwards. Ryan Hall when fit will push for a wing spot plus we have Matt Ikuvalu as another back Morris can cover centre if needed and Aubusson can cover in the backs and backrow forwards. Plenty of players at the Roosters who are multi skilled in various positions.💪🐔👍

    • Forgot to mention this is Cronks team. Keary proved a great backup in the Grand Final and half a Preliminary Final to easily handle the halfback leadership skills but with a fit Cronk Keary reverts back to his brilliant 5/8 running game with great passes at speed.💪🐔👍