‘Feeling the heat’: Axe hovers over NRL coach

The Knights were one of the NRL’s major disappointments last season but have a fresh look to them for the new season and hopes are high for a return to finals footy.

The club has bought well, signing six players who should all make the top 17 and they have also got rid of some dead wood.

Much will depend on Kalyn Ponga’s ability to handle the switch from fullback to five-eighth – and whether he can stay healthy for the majority of a long campaign.

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2022 finishing position: 14th

Gains: Adam Elliott (Raiders), Jack Hetherington (Bulldogs), Tyson Gamble (Broncos), Jackson Hastings (Wests Tigers), Greg Marzhew (Titans), Lachlan Miller (Sharks).

Losses: Mitchell Barnett (Warriors), Edrick Lee (Dolphins), Jirah Momoisea (Eels), Tex Hoy (Hull FC), Anthony Milford (Dolphins), Sauaso Sue (Hull KR), Pasami Saulo (Raiders), Jake Clifford (Hull FC), David Klemmer (Wests Tigers), Chris Randall (Titans), Max Bradbury (Sharks).

Best 17:

Lachlan Miller

Dom Young

Dane Gagai

Bradman Best

Greg Marzhew

Kalyn Ponga

Jackson Hastings

Jacob Saifiti

Jayden Brailey

Daniel Saifiti

Tyson Frizell

Lachlan Fitzgibbon

Adam Elliott

Bench:

Tyson Gamble

Jack Hetherington

Leo Thompson

Brodie Jones

Best buy: Hastings has had an up and down career but he has spark and enthusiasm and energy – three things the Knights lacked in 2022. He will ensure this team doesn’t under-perform the way it did last year.

Biggest loss: David Klemmer was the pick of the Knights pack last year but fell out with the coaching staff – and was sent packing. He will be missed.

Greatest strength: The strike power of Ponga, Bradman Best and Dom Young out wide. If they stay fit, the Knights will have plenty of points in them.

Biggest question mark: The Knights forwards look good on paper but were out-enthused too often last season. The Saifiti brothers need to lead the way and the others must follow for the team to be a finals chance.

Man under pressure: Coach Adam O’Brien has a testy relationship with some of his star players and needs to win games early to keep his job. He’ll be feeling the heat from week one.

Predicted 2023 finishing position: 13th

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