NRL 2024 scouting report: Newcastle Knights recruitment and positional battles key to success

There’s plenty to like out of Newcastle, but a three-way halves battle, a role adjustment for another key player and expectation on Dominic Young’s replacement show there’s work to be done.

A three-way halves battle, a role adjustment for Phoenix Crossland and expectation on a Penrith Panthers junior to fill the sizeable hole left by Dominic Young’s departure.

They’re just some of the issues Newcastle need to address over summer as they try to prove their run to the 2023 NRL finals series wasn’t a one-off lucky streak.

A league-best 10-game unbeaten run showed what the Knights were capable of, but that was quickly tempered with the sobering reality of their 40-10 semi-final loss to the New Zealand Warriors.

Nevertheless, the Knights have been busy carefully building the pieces they need to take the next step to become a genuine premiership contender.

Will 2024 be the year they can pull it together?

2023 RICH 100 REPS: Kalyn Ponga (1, $1.4m), Tyson Frizell (43, $750,000), Daniel Saifiti (48, $750,000), Jayden Brailey (80, $600,000), Jackson Hastings (85, $600,000)

Newcastle’s English recruits Kai Pearce-Paul and Will Pryce.

FREE AGENCY WRAP AND RATING

After their best season in a decade, the Knights’ biggest loss is try-scoring winger Dominic Young, but they’ve recruited smartly in other areas to keep the good times coming. The addition of Jack Cogger this season with Penrith just strengthens the spine, and English stars Kai Pearce Paul and Will Pryce will offer quality depth in the backline and forwards too.

RATING: B+

Coach Adam O'Brien needs to continue the Knights’ resurgence. Picture: Tony Feder/Getty Images

COACH STATUS AND SAFETY RATING: ADAM O’BRIEN (2024)

It’s amazing the difference a few wins makes. Midway through 2023 Adam O’Brien’s future at the club was the subject of speculation when it looked as though the Knights were about to underachieve – again. But a 10-game winning streak turned everything around and O’Brien is now about to sign an extension to continue Newcastle’s resurgence.

SAFETY RATING: B

LIKELY DEBUTANTS

Myles Martin, Kai Pearce Paul, Will Pryce, Paul Bryan: Young forwards Paul Bryan and Myles Martin are two exciting young players rising through the Knights system and they’re every chance to force their way into the NRL side at some stage this season.

As for the Englishman, Kai Pearce-Paul required surgery on a toe injury and won’t be available for the first few rounds of the season, while Will Pryce will be in the mix for a backline position.

WHO TAKES THE NEXT STEP

Tom Jenkins: The exciting young winger scored five tries in five games with the Panthers last season and comes to the Knights looking for an opportunity for more consistent game time.

He’s a natural fit to replace Dominic Young on the right wing and will take his chance to blossom.

BURNINGS ISSUES

1. Can the Knights maintain the magic?

The back end of last season was a tonic for long-suffering Knights fans, but they want more of the same in 2024.

A 10-game winning streak masked a poor start to the season, and they’ll need to find a way to get some consistency.

They’ll need a good start and then to maintain it to show fans their 10-game winning streak wasn’t just a fluke.

Myles Martin looks a promising talent. Picture: Thomas Lisson

2. Coming-of-age Kalyn

One of the biggest reasons for the Knights’ boom at the end of the year was Dally M Medallist Kalyn Ponga, who was in the form of his career. The star fullback chose to forgo Queensland Origin commitments to concentrate on improving the Knights, and it worked. Will he make the same choice again in 2024? And more importantly, will he need to?

3. Halves puzzle

Phoenix Crossland had a huge 2023 season when he stepped in to play dummy half in the absence of injured hooker Jayden Brailey, but now he will more than likely fill a No.14 role off the bench to make the most of his utility value.

In the halves, Tyson Gamble and Jackson Hastings also surprised with their successful partnership, and with Jack Cogger added to the mix from Penrith — where he slotted in superbly in the grand final to help spark the Panthers’ comeback — someone has to miss out.

CRYSTAL BALL

The Knights went to a new level this season and it feels as though they’ve turned a corner that can bring them genuine success over the next few years.

Kalyn Ponga was the best player in the competition in the last few months but, collectively, the team improved out of sight.

Their recruitment has been smart and it will only improve the squad that’s already humming towards a better season in 2024.

FINISH THE LAST FIVE YEARS

2023: 5th (eliminated second week of finals)

2022: 14th

2021: 7th (eliminated first week of finals)

2020: 7th (eliminated first week of finals)

2019: 11th

2024 TAB ODDS

Premiership: $26

Minor premiership: $26

Top four: $5

Top eight: $2.20

Most losses: $21

Originally published as NRL 2024 scouting report: Newcastle Knights recruitment and positional battles key to success