The Wayne Bennett factor took a while to rub off last season but the Knights are primed a big year.
Their trial against the Rabbitohs was the only trial I saw this year, and Newcastle looked good.
Injuries will remain the biggest concern to their premiership hopes, with much riding on the fitness of Kurt Gidley and Jarrod Mullen. Both have represented NSW in the past, and always produced good results when they were on the field together.
When it comes to being on the field at the same time it's a completely different story, as both have struggled to put in full seasons. The injuries have forced backup halves Ryan Stig and Tyrone Roberts to perform at NRL level, and that is exactly what they have done. The experience may be a blessing in disguise for the Novacastrians, with the ability to chop and change the four players without losing too much ability.
The strongest part of this team is its forwards.
Names like Kade Snowden, Willie Mason, Chris Houston, Beau Scott and Jeremy Smith pepper the starting lineup, with Neville Costigan, Alex McKinnon, Matt Hilder and the returning David Fa'alogo adding massive impact from the bench.
Throw seasoned veteran Danny Buderus into the mix, along with backup Travis Waddell, and the Knights have a solid foundation to build the rest of their season on.
The backline isn't as imposing as the forward pack, but they are no pushovers.
Darius Boyd had a quiet first year the Knights' No.1 jersey, which should have the State of Origin representative hungry to make a big improvement this season. He has developed his playmaking, providing an extra danger at the back.
Akuila Uate maintains his standing as one of the more prolific tryscorers in the competition. James McManus, the Scot who has a NSW Origin jersey to his name, keeps a hold on the other wing jersey but will be lucky to keep Anthony Quinn at bay. Timana Tahu and Dane Gagai make up an exciting centre pairing that will trouble defenders all year.
Knights: 1. Darius Boyd 2. Akuila Uate 3. Dane Gagai 4. Timana Tahu 5. James McManus 6. Jarrod Mullen 7. Kurt Gidley 8. Kade Snowden 9. Danny Buderus 10. Willie Mason 11. Chris Houston 12. Beau Scott 13. Jeremy Smith Interchange 14. Tyrone Roberts 15. Neville Costigan 16. David Fa'alogo 17. Alex McKinnon
On the fringe: Ryan Stig, Anthony Quinn, Matt Hilder, Siuatonga Likiliki, Adam Cuthbertson, Peter Mata'utai, Chris Adams, Korbin Sims, Kevin Naiqama, Travis Waddell
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