LeagueNews.co | Jess Malloy

FIVE Newcastle Knights Players Who Must Improve in 2026

The Newcastle Knights kicked off 2025 with aspirations of finishing near the top eight in the league.

However, the season took a disastrous turn as they ended up claiming the wooden spoon, shocking both supporters and resulting in the dismissal of head coach Adam O'Brien.

Despite having a talented roster, the team frequently struggled. While they showcased impressive defensive skills at their peak, issues such as an inability to establish consistent combinations among key players, recurring reshuffling of positions, declining confidence, and struggles to capitalize on attacking opportunities kept them entrenched in a pattern of narrow defeats and late-game failures.

In response to the lackluster performance, the club has initiated a significant recruitment strategy. Prominent additions include Dylan Brown, who arrives on a substantial ten-year, thirteen-million-dollar deal. Trey Mooney has been brought in to enhance the middle rotation, while Sandon Smith joins from the Roosters to provide creativity, depth, and reliable goal-kicking skills. Additionally, Dominic Young has made a mid-season return to take over his right-wing position. With Bradman Best, Dylan Lucas, Phoenix Crossland, and Fletcher Sharpe already in their lineup, the Knights appear to possess the components of a competitive top-eight roster on paper.

To solidify their chances of making a return to the finals, here are five players who need to elevate their performance in 2026.