NRL 2026, Newcastle Knights, rise up the ladder, wooden spoon, instant rebound, history

Author: Cameron Mee NRL Reporter
Timestamp: Fri 5 Jun 2026, 06:01 AM

The Newcastle Knights are out to emulate the 2009 Canterbury Bulldogs as they look to claim a unique piece of history with their stunning rise up the ladder.

The Knights finished with the wooden spoon in 2025 but the arrival of new coach Justin Holbrook has triggered an instant turn around in the Hunter.

Newcastle sit fourth leading into Friday's Round 14 clash with the Melbourne Storm at AAMI Park.

It's the highest ladder position at this point in the season for the previous year's wooden spooners since the Bulldogs rose from last in 2008 to second in 2009. The Knights' jump is the second biggest in the NRL era, eclipsing their rise from last in 2005 to fifth in 2006.

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Holbrook's men aren't simply satisfied with an improved start to their campaign, they have their sights on a top-four finish.

Canterbury finished second in 2009 before falling to Parramatta in an epic preliminary final, while the '06 Knights ended the year in fourth and were knocked out of the finals by eventual premiers Brisbane.

The only team in the NRL era to make the grand final the year after claiming the wooden spoon was the Roosters in 2010, who finished the season in sixth before losing to the Dragons in the decider.

While the finals are still a few months away, the Knights are confident they can topple the best teams in the competition throughout the second half of the season.

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"We respect the top teams but as long as we're focusing on what we need to do to be at our best, we can match it with those sides," Pasami Saulo told NRL.com.

"We're aiming for top four. We'll take it week by week and we're striving for the best, hopefully that's top four."

Round 14 - Round 14 - Friday 5 Jun

8:00 am

Storm

Knights

Venue: AAMI Park, Melbourne

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Friday's clash with the Storm presents a new test for the Knights, who have won four on the trot on the back of fullback Kalyn Ponga's attacking brilliance.

Melbourne returned to form with a gritty victory over the Roosters last week and are eager to begin their climb up the ladder.

While Ponga's performances have been instrumental, much of the credit for the Newcastle turnaround has been handed to Holbrook. The former Knights halfback has placed a heavy emphasis on grounding his side in the region's working-class roots since taking over.

Saulo played a key role in Canberra's charge to the 2025 minor premiership and quickly saw the similarities between the two clubs when he arrived in the Hunter.

"As soon as I got here from day one, I could feel it straight away," Saulo said. "There was that welcoming feeling and to be in this group has been great.

"Our connection is the main factor in our success. It's real strong, every team needs good connection and there's good energy around the group.

"The way Justin gets the boys together and has a bit of a laugh has been great. He's got a humorous side and he's got a serious side. He connects the boys really well and the boys get on with it.

"Everyone works hard for each other, the coaching staff and all the staff do too."

The Knights' surge up the ladder started with an impressive victory over the Cowboys in Las Vegas.

Star off-season recruit Dylan Brown showcased why Newcastle officials were so desperate to sign him to a 10-year deal, while the side overcame the loss of five-eighth Fletcher Sharpe to injury in the first half.

Knights v Cowboys – Round 1, 2026

The halves combination has had some false starts, with Brown also battling injury earlier this year, but the duo will link up in Melbourne on Friday night.

Saulo felt the impact a trip to Vegas had on Canberra's 2025 campaign and has seen a similar effect for the Knights this season.

"It was such a great experience getting away to Vegas," he said. "You're away from home so you have to connect. The connection there was unreal, you walk out the door and your teammates are right next to you.

"That time together makes the bond a lot stronger than it ever would be."

Tickets to Friday's match are selling fast. Junior (4-15 year) tickets start from $8, Adults from $29 and family tickets from $66. Click here to get your tickets today.