Can Knights build off glittering ‘23 run? Rookie flyer out to fill void of departed star — 2024 Verdict
Newcastle were one of the feel-good stories of the season in 2023, going on a magical nine game winning streak to catapult themselves into the finals.
The Novocastrians can never be blamed for being disloyal, but it was still a spectacular sight to see McDonald Jones Stadium sold out and heaving with excitement during the back end of the season.
The crowd and atmosphere in Newcastle for the Knights’ thrilling 30-28 finals win against the Raiders was something to behold – their first postseason win since 2013.
The season would end after a sobering 40-10 loss to the Warriors in New Zealand, but considering the poor start to 2023, the concussion issues surrounding Kalyn Ponga and the whispers of coach Adam O’Brien being on the hot seat, the end result should be considered a rousing success.
Ponga reflects fondly on playing in front of the home fans during the Knights’ run.
“It was special. I’ve watched a few of those games back and it was something I’ve never really experienced in this jersey,” Ponga told foxsports.com.au.
“I think that’s also a motivator for us next year as well.
“To give the people those performances at home means a lot. It’s pretty special, and it’s something we want to keep doing and hopefully build something pretty special.
As Ponga alludes to, the challenge for the Knights in 2024 will be to build off that good form and the exciting brand of footy shown in the back end of the season.
Ponga’s play was a huge reason for Newcastle’s success, and much like his team were able to do late to finish 5th on the ladder, the star fullback came from the clouds to miraculously win the Dally M Medal, despite playing in just 20 games. That was five less than runner-up Shaun Johnson.
“We will try and keep that momentum going,” Ponga said.
“The second half of the year we played with a lot of confidence, and it was probably the most enjoyment I ever felt being on a footy field.
“The work ethic, the confidence, the standards we had during those 10 games we want to continue. We are training pretty hard and excited for the season.”
Here foxsports.com.au breaks down all the key factors for the Knights heading into the 2024 season.
Kalyn Ponga
He’s a deadset superstar. If the back end of 2023 wasn’t enough to suggest otherwise, you’re hard to impress.
The one attribute that sets him apart from the vast majority of the competition, is his ability to make something from nothing.
Ponga admitted to foxsports.com.au that there were times he thought he’d retire last season, but not only did he return to the field, he was the best player in the league.
It sets up a mouth-watering battle with Reece Walsh in the first couple of months of the season for the Queensland fullback jersey.
While Ponga is the ultimate team player, hungry for success with the Knights, he’s definitely keen to be back in the Origin arena.
“I respect it’s a jersey you have to earn and you can only really do that by playing well in club land for the first half of the season and hopefully I’m good enough,” he said.
“ I want to be in that arena and apart of the success they’ve had.”
WHO’S MOST UNDER PRESSURE
Dane Gagai
Gagai is on the last year of a $550,000 a year deal with the Knights, with the club electing to hold off on extension talks.
So there’s no doubt the former Queensland Origin star is under pressure to perform, especially early in the season.
“Like a number of players at the club, we’d probably like to see Dane play a bit of football first,” Knights Football Director Peter Parr said in January.
“So that’s my expectation at this stage, unless his agent was to approach the club about starting talks earlier.
“He was happy to play some footy – see what the form is like, see what the body is like – and see what transpires after that.
“I haven’t had that conversation with Dane yet, or his agent, but I’m sure we’ll have it at some stage, when the timing is appropriate.”