The Newcastle Knights enter 2026 with a new coach and high expectations after a poor season.
There is significant pressure on the club to rebound following one of the weakest attacks seen in the competition.
Adam O'Brien's five-year stint ended despite three finals appearances in that period.
Justin Holbrook has been brought in to lead the side and he arrives with Dylan Brown in tow.
Dylan Brown is now the game's richest player and his role-whether five-eighth or halfback-remains unclear.
The Knights must also extract more from their forwards to climb the ladder.
Below is the projected full-strength Newcastle squad for 2026.
Ins: Dylan Brown (Parramatta Eels, 2035), Peter Hola (The Dolphins, 2027), Asu Kepaoa (Penrith Panthers, 2027), Trey Mooney (Canberra Raiders, 2029), Pasami Saulo (Canberra Raiders, 2027), Sandon Smith (Sydney Roosters, 2029).
Outs: Taj Annan (rugby union), Jake Arthur (Hull FC), Jayden Brailey (Canberra Raiders), Paul Bryan (Manly Sea Eagles), Jack Cogger (Penrith Panthers), Adam Elliott (South Sydney Rabbitohs), Brock Greacen (Castleford Tigers), Jack Hetherington (Melbourne Storm), Riley Jones (Cronulla Sharks), Jye Linnane (New Zealand Warriors), Kai Pearce-Paul (Wests Tigers), Will Pryce (Hull FC), Sebastian Su'a (The Dolphins), Leo Thompson (Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs), Tyrone Thompson (rugby union).
Players out of contract at the end of 2026 include Wilson De Courcey, Tyson Frizell, Dane Gagai, Tyson Gamble, Brodie Jones and Greg Marzhew.
Projected squad members feature Matt Arthur, Bradman Best, Dylan Brown, Thomas Cant, Mat Croker and Phoenix Crossland.
The list also contains Lachlan Crouch, Wilson De Courcey, Tyson Frizell, Dane Gagai and Tyson Gamble.
Further names include Peter Hola, Cody Hopwood, Brodie Jones, Asu Kepaoa and Dylan Lucas.
Also listed are Francis Manuleleua, Greg Marzhew, Kyle McCarthy, Jermaine McEwen and Trey Mooney.
Kalyn Ponga, Jacob Saifiti, Elijah Salesa-Leaumoana, Pasami Saulo and James Schiller are among others named.
Rounding out the roster are Fletcher Sharpe, Sandon Smith, Wil Sullivan, Dominic Young and several emerging prospects.