2017 NRL Season Preview - Newcastle Knights
Newcastle Knights 2017 Season Preview
2016 Review - The Knights became statistically the worst side since the Western Suburbs Magpies in 1999 as they finished cast adrift on the NRL ladder with just the one victory and one draw. The Knights conceded a record 800 points for the season, and finished with a -495 differential in a season when they copped one pasting after another. New coach Nathan Brown was given a real baptism of fire in his first season as Knight's coach, as he was left with a very young squad and a plethora of long term injuries. The highlight of the season for Newcastle came way back in Round 6 where they managed to hang on to an 18-16 victory over the Wests Tigers to secure their only victory of the season. However the sides low point came not long after as they were dispatched 62-0 at home by eventual premiers the Cronulla Sharsk. The side finished the season on a humiliating 18-match losing streak, however went very close to victories in away matches against Canberra and St George-Illawarra late in the season.
Gains - The Knights most significant off-season signing was Manly back rower Jamie Buhrer. Buhrer has struggle for form and fitness over the past couple of seasons at the Eagles, however is well regarded as an outstanding clubman and model professional. Buhrer is not the biggest back rower, however he is a hard worker and will add some starch to the Knights' defence. The Knights have also picked up Anthony Tupou who is returning from a season at Wakefield after spending 7 seasons at the Sharks. Tupou, at his best, was a damaging back rower with a good off load. However at 33 years of age he may well be past his best. Other signings include Rory Kostjasyn, Ken Sio, Josh Starling, Jacob Gagan and Joe Wardle.
Losses - The Knights suffered another hammer blow in pre-season with State five eight Jarrod Mullen failing a drug test and facing a potential 4 year ban. Whilst Mullen had struggled with injuries over the last few seasons, he remains a very classy and gifted player who was one of the few quality First Graders the Knights had left on their roster. Newcastle have lost plenty of experience in the off season, with Nathan Brown clearing the decks and pushing out some of the older players. While Jeremy Smith and James McManus were forced into retirement, the likes of Kade Snowden, Robbie Rochor, Aquila Uate, Jake Mamo and Korbin Sims moved on. There is no doubt Nathan Brown is taking a long term view here and, in trying to sort out the Club's salary cap mess, is he ready for more short term pain for potential long term gain. While some of those players were struggling for form or past their best, it still leaves a huge hole in experience in a Club trying to rebound from the worst year in their history.
Player To Watch - Brock Lamb - With Mullen's career in tatters, 20 year old Brock Lamb has emerged as a clear front runner to wear the Number 6 jersey. Lamb has been in the Knights' system since he was 14 years of age and played 3 First Grade games last season. While his season was curtailed by injury, he showed glimpses of what he might be able to do in the future for the Knights. Lamb averaged over 300 kick metres a game for the Knights, and looks to have a really strong long kicking game and good running game. While this season will be a baptism of fire, Lamb looks a quality prospect and will learn plenty more this season.
2017 Fixture Strength - 3rd Hardest The Knights get an early opportunity to register some wins with their first two home games against the Rabbitohs and Titans. Ridiculously, the Knights face the Top 4 teams in the Sharks, Storm, Raiders and Cowboys 7 times in total, which is less than only the Broncos. If any Club deserved a soft schedule it was Newcastle, however they have not been granted one it seems. On the plus side the Knights are one of the few teams without any 5 day turn arounds and they have plenty of 7 and 8 day turn arounds. Overall the Knights' draw ranks in the toughest 4, and they don't even get any relief at Origin by facing sides that are weakened. The Knights have two byes before Origin games, which is strange, as they will probably only have one Origin players in Dane Gagai.
2017 Forecast - 16th (3-4 Wins)
Well you wouldn't think it could get any worse in Newcastle, however I really can't see them getting off the bottom of the table. This is without a doubt the weakest and least experienced squad in the NRL and, for mine, they are near certainties to collect their third straight wooden spoon. But there is no doubt those young guys that tasted First Grade last season will be more competitive and more accustomed to the grind of the week to week NRL battle. However, I just don't see any position on the field where Newcastle look particularly strong. Dane Gagai and Nathan Ross give them some strike power in the outside backs and I think that's an area of the field they can at least show glimpses of promise. Trent Hodgkinson is a solid First Grade footballer who will bring the side some leadership, however he is not going to unlock games for the Knights.
The Knights pack looks very light on in terms of power and presence, and I think they will get rolled regularly in terms of winning the ruck. The main thing I think the Knights can improve on this season is their differential. I think some of their younger guy's bodies will be bigger and more adept to handling pressure on their goal line. However, I can't forsee this side winning more than 4 games in 2017. I think they might scratch out a few wins at home against moderate opposition, but even those wins might prove to be a real struggle.