Act of Squad: Knights predicted Round 1 team and 2024 overview
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Their 2023 roster underwent a major re-shuffle after pre-season plans were thrown out the window following injuries to hooker Jayden Brailey, fullback Kalyn Ponga and halfback Jackson Hastings.
Having tested their depth in almost all positions on the field last season, coach Adam O'Brien has hit the market to ensure his squad is well equipped for the year ahead after farewelling 10 players including Dom Young (Roosters), Lachlan Fitzgibbon (Warrington) and Kurt Mann (Bulldogs).
With several new faces arriving in Newcastle, including English duo Kai Pearce-Paul (Wigan Warriors) and Will Pryce (Huddersfield Giants), a number of positional battles are set to heat up ahead of Round 1.
For the man to partner Hastings in the halves, Tyson Gamble has earnt the right to first crack at the No.6 but he will need to be firing to stay ahead of premiership-winning Panther Jack Cogger.
Meanwhile, Brailey is set to return in 2024 but won't be strolling back into the No.9 position after utility Phoenix Crossland did a fine job filling in for the injured captain last season.
The back-row battle will also be one to watch after Dylan Lucas slipped straight into the position when Fitzgibbon was out injured last season.
With Fitzgibbon departed for the Super League, Lucas looks to be front-runner for the vacant No. 12 position and while Pearce-Paul is also in the frame, a pre-season toe injury could slow the Englishman down.
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Predicted Round 1 team
- Kalyn Ponga
- Tom Jenkins
- Dane Gagai
- Bradman Best
- Greg Marzhew
- Tyson Gamble
- Jackson Hastings
- Daniel Saifiti
- Jayden Brailey
- Leo Thompson
- Tyson Frizell
- Dylan Lucas
- Adam Elliott
- Phoenix Crossland
- Jacob Saifiti
- Jack Hetherington
- Jed Cartwright
Key Changes
Ins: Kai Pearce-Paul (Wigan Warriors), Will Pryce (Huddersfield Giants), Jack Cogger (Panthers), Jed Cartwright (Rabbitohs), Tom Jenkins (Panthers).
Outs: Dominic Young (Roosters), Lachlan Fitzgibbon (Warrington Wolves), Fa'amanu Brown (Hull FC), Kurt Mann (Bulldogs).
Health Watch
Kai Pearce-Paul (toe, pre-season), Krystian Mapapalangi (shoulder, pre-season), Phoenix Crossland (knee, Round 1), Jackson Hastings (ankle, Round 1).
Every Kalyn Ponga try assist of the 2023 season
Positional battle to watch
Tyson Gamble has given every reason why he should be the first-choice five-eighth after helping the Knights win 10 on the bounce to make it all the way to week two of the finals.
But after signing premiership-winning Panther Jack Cogger on a three-year deal, the question beckons as to whether coach Adam O'Brien sees Gamble as the long-term No. 6 for Newcastle.
Cogger’s assured 29-minute grand final cameo after the Panthers lost Jarome Luai reaffirmed the belief he can be a first-choice half and the 26-year-old will be out to prove he is more than just a replacement for 'Mr Fix It' Kurt Mann.
Whoever is handed the No.6 jersey in Round 1, competition in the halves is always a good thing, and Cogger looks ready to blossom as he returns to the club where he launched his career in 2016.
