Knights must prove their desire to climb off NRL’s bottom rung

SEASON PREVIEW: Newcastle hit rock-bottom in 2016 with a second straight wooden spoon — so how much improvement can Knights fans expect this season?

The Knights can only improve on a dismal 2016.

NEWCASTLE hit rock-bottom in 2016 to pick up a second straight wooden spoon and the unwanted tag as one of the worst-performed teams in the modern era after just one win and a draw.

The lingering question remains: Just how much improvement can Knights fans expect this season from a young squad still rebuilding under coach Nathan Brown?

The player gains have been modest. Premiership winners Rory Kostjasyn and Jamie Buhrer add a hard edge, while ex-Manly prop Josh Starling will roll up his sleeves and Ken Sio is a decent outside back pick-up.

Knights coach Nathan Brown has plenty to think about. Photo: Peter Lorimer.

On the debit side, inspirational back-rower Jeremy Smith has retired, Korbin Sims bailed out to Brisbane and Jarrod Mullen’s drug controversy hasn’t helped the cause.

The Knights are light on for forwards and their ability to climb a few rungs on the ladder is going to rest on how big a step up the likes of Daniel and Jacob Saifiti, Danny Levi, Sione Mata’utia and Brock Lamb can take.

IT’S A BIG YEAR FOR

Nathan Brown. Coaching in the NRL is a cutthroat caper but Brown has shown by the method of his rebuild he is not motivated by self-preservation. His decision-making with recruitment and retention has been all about what he believes is in the club’s long-term interest. It hasn’t been about short-term gain.

It’s brave but it’s why many fans admire the job he is doing. Some have even called for him to be re-signed to a longer-term contract.

But not even Brown would dispute he needs some results and a palatable level of improvement if he is to keep the faith of fans.

Outside expectation may be low but pressure will mount if his team fails to consistently compete.

Trent Hodkinson needs to become a real leader for the club. Photo: Peter Lorimer.

UNDER PRESSURE

Trent Hodkinson. The former Blues Origin halfback was the club’s marquee signing last season but by his own admission didn’t live up to the billing.

He battled a chronic knee problem for most of the season and was generally playing behind an outgunned pack of forwards.

That combination ate into his confidence, as did the chopping and changing of his halves partner. With no Mullen, the play-making responsibilities will largely be his and the pressure will come if he doesn’t stand up.

A big positive has been the way he and the club have managed his knee issues during off-season training. Hodkinson claims he is feeling the best he has in more than two years.

Newcomer Rory Kostjasyn has a big job as skipper. Photo: Peter Lorimer.

BEST 13

1 Peter Mata’utia 2 Nathan Ross 3 Dane Gagai 4 Joe Wardle 5 Ken Sio 6 Brock Lamb 7 Trent Hodkinson 8 Josh Starling 9 Rory Kostjasyn 10 Jacob Saifiti 11 Sione Mata’utia 12 Mitchell Barnett 13 Jamie Buhrer Interchange: 14 Danny Levi 15 Mickey Paea 16 Daniel Saifiti 17 Sam Mataora

INS AND OUTS

INS: Jamie Buhrer (Sea Eagles), Jacob Gagan (Sharks), Rory Kostjasyn (Cowboys), Ken Sio (Hull Kingston Rovers), Josh Starling (Sea Eagles), Joe Wardle (Huddersfield Giants)

OUTS: Jake Mamo (Huddersfield Giants), James McManus (retired), Robbie Rochow (Rabbitohs), Korbin Sims (Broncos), Jeremy Smith (retired), Kade Snowden (retired), Akuila Uate (Sea Eagles)

FULL 2017 DRAW

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