New coach Justin Holbrook has a very pleasant headache in the halves, which were the Knights‘ sore point last year as they struggled to score points.
The arrivals of $13 million man Dylan Brown from the Eels and Sandon Smith from the Roosters suddenly give the Knights some much-needed strike power.
But Holbrook now has three halves in the two newcomers and speedster Fletcher Sharpe – and one will have to miss out.
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The best way to have all three in his starting 13 is to move Smith to hooker – another spot where the Knights have been battling for creativity in recent years.
Dylan Brown in action for New Zealand in last year’s Pacific Championships. Getty
Having those three in the spine should give the Knights’ danger men out wide – Kalyn Ponga, Bradman Best, Dane Gagai and Dom Young – the time and space to do damage.
The pack will be similar to last season, though Raiders recruit Trey Mooney should find himself in the starting side to add some more starch up front.
Holbrook has a high opinion of rising back-rower Elijah Salesa-Leaumoana and he could be a surprise addition to the bench.
A much better team than last year – could be one of the NRL’s big improvers.
Newcastle Knights best 17
1. Kalyn Ponga 2. Greg Marzhew 3. Dane Gagai 4. Bradman Best 5. Dominic Young 6. Fletcher Sharpe 7. Dylan Brown 8. Jacob Saifiti 9. Sandon Smith 10. Tyson Frizell 11. Jermaine McEwen 12. Dylan Lucas 13. Trey Mooney 14. Phoenix Crossland 15. Brodie Jones 16. Mat Croker 17. Elijah Salesa-Leaumoana