NEWCASTLE

After finishing eleventh in 2018, Newcastle have strengthened their squad, and will be aiming for a place in the top eight.  Their backline has been bolstered by the signings of Jesse Ramien and Edrick Lee from Cronulla, and Kurt Mann from St George-Illawarra; although Mann may also fill in at hooker.  The Knights farewell their top try scorer of 2018, Ken Sio, to Salford; but still have Nathan Ross, Shaun Kenny-Dowall, Sione Mata’uita, and the exciting prodigy, Kalyn Ponga.  Mitchell Pearce will again be the architect at halfback, and Newcastle will also hopefully welcome back Tautau Moga from injury.

Up front, Lachlan Fitzgibbon could be a break out star in 2019, and may even play Origin football.  The Knights have signed reliable Tim Glasby from Melbourne, and Canterbury’s test prop David Klemmer.  Add in Josh King and Jamie Buhrer, and it is a competitive forward pack, although the Knights will miss the experience of Chris Heighington and Jacob Lillyman, who have both announced their retirements.

You can read more about the history of the Newcastle Knights here.