Knights have used 28 players already this season, highlighting link between stability and success

NEWCASTLE have already used the same number of players as the Cowboys used to win the premiership, while the NRL’s top three have used the least amount of players.

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 12: The Knights look dejected after a Rabbitohs try during the round two NRL match between the South Sydney Rabbitohs and the Newcastle Knights at ANZ Stadium on March 12, 2016 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)

AFTER just seven weeks, Newcastle have used the same amount of players as North Queensland used to win last year’s NRL premiership.

Calling on 28 players in the process of rebuilding the club, Knights coach Nathan Brown has also equalled a 10-year record for using the most amount of players after seven rounds of the competition.

The staggering statistics offer an insight into the success and failure of the entire NRL competition.

The current top three teams on the premiership ladder are the same sides who have used the least amount of players so far this season.

Prior to this weekend’s round of matches, Brisbane, North Queensland and Cronulla had all used 19 players. Between the trio, they have also used only two debutants combined.

Such is the consistency of his 17-man squad each week, Sharks coach Shane Flanagan is yet to require blooding any new talent.

Comparatively, the Knights (16th) and the Sydney Roosters (15th) have already called on eight debutants each — the most amount of rookies since St George Illawarra’s nine after seven rounds in 2007. That year, the Dragons finished 13th.

The reduction in interchange and scheduling controversy for certain clubs who have experienced limited recovery time in 2016 could also be attributed to the number (359) of players used across the NRL so far.

And it’s not just Newcastle who have been forced to alter, promote and demote its squad on a weekly basis.

The Knights have burned through players — and have nothing to show for it.

The Warriors (11th) are second only to the Knights for most players used after seven rounds. After a troubled start to the season, New Zealand coach Andrew McFadden has chopped and changed his squad to amass 26-players.

Manly coach Trent Barrett has also experienced a less than stable rookie year, using 25 players and forced to purchase North Queensland winger Matt Wright after just seven rounds in order to fill a worrying lack of depth in his backline.

Enjoying their best start to a season since 1986, Parramatta have used just 21 players — two less than the top three sides.

Ahead of their match with Manly, Newcastle’s Brown is set to add another player to his high rotation, with centre Peter Mata’utia set to play his first game for the Knights despite only departing St George Illawarra midweek.

Download SuperFan NRL - the ultimate rugby league app for iOS

Originally published as Knights have used 28 players already this season, highlighting link between stability and success