2015 in review - Newcastle Knights

2015 started in such a promising manner for the Newcastle Knights. Kicking off the season with a win at home against the Warriors, the Newcastle boys backed it up with wins against the Cowboys, Titans and Panthers, to be sitting pretty at the top of the table on 4-0 after a month of the season.

Then it all came crashing down.

Picking up just four more wins in the next 20 games, the Knights slid quickly down the ladder, and finished up with a wooden spoon for their efforts. Add to this a number of long term injuries and a coach sacking, and 2015 has definitely been a season to forget - for players and fans alike.

The team's performances throughout the season were not good enough, with captain Kurt Gidley starting almost every press conference the same way, disillusioned with the lack of effort and heart. The club reacted by sacking coach Rick Stone midway through the season, handing the reigns to club legend Danny Buderus in a caretaker role.

With the Knights announcing signings of journeyman forward Mickey Paea from Hull FC, and Todd Lowrie from the Broncos, fans could be forgiven for thinking that the Knights' days of trotting out Dad's Army were not over. But the signing of current NSW halfback Trent Hodkinson, the instatement of Nathan Brown as head coach, and Brown's subsequent strategic vision for the club have left fans feeling slightly more optimistic about season 2016.

Turning Point
Without a doubt, the turning point for the Knights was their Round 5 loss to the St George Illlawarra Dragons at home. Exactly what changed at that point is anyone's guess, but after starting the season undefeated, the Knights went on to lose eleven of their next twelve games.

The Good
Its slim pickings to find highlights in what was a dismal season for the Knights. The signing of Trent Hodkinson will definitely rate as a bright spot for the club - with the side traditionally struggling to find a suitable partner for Jarrod Mullen in the halves. Hodkinson, notoriously a structured and organising halfback, should prove to be one of the Knights' best signings, and the perfect offset for Mullen's running game and x-factor.

Apart from that, if there's anything the Knights can be proud of this season it's their attack… in patches. Scoring 20 points or more in the vast majority of their games should have landed them more than eight wins for the season, but unfortunately their defence couldn't match their attack.

The Bad
As mentioned, the Knights' defence in 2015 was woeful. Conceding an average of 25.5 points per game, and with four 40+ losses against their name at the back end of the season, it isn't hard to see where new coach Nathan Brown needs to put his focus over the off season.

Injuries also hit the club hard, with Jarrod Mullen, Jack Stockwell, James McManus, Robbie Rochow and David Fa'alogo all suffering major injuries, and Tyrone Roberts, Beau Scott and Jeremy Smith all sitting out parts of the season as well.

Best Players
Dane Gagai was without a doubt one of the Knights' best throughout the season. Averaging over 14 hitups per game, almost 130 running metres, and a try assist or line break in every game, Gagai's attack was a big bonus for the team. Unfortunately, his defense let him down at times, and coach Nathan Brown should be considering a move to fullback for him in 2016, where he can really let his attacking ability be showcased.

Kade Snowden and Korbin Sims should also be commended for their effort throughout the season, and while not necessarily one of the best players on the field all season, Kurt Gidley's passion for the club and tenacity were obvious (sometimes to his detriment), both on the field and in post match interviews.

Disappointing Players
Can we add most of the rest of the side into this basket? Akuila Uate was a shadow of his former Dally M winning self, and Beau Scott also looked distracted at the back end of the season. Rumours of issues at training culminated in Joey Leilua leaving the club mid season, but prior to that his performances had been very hit and miss as well.

Rookies
At last, a section where we can give a bit of hope to the Knights' fans. Although losing the NRL State Championship to the Ipswich Jets, a premiership to the Knights in reserve grade will give confidence to a number of upcoming young players. Tyler Randell, Jake Mamo, Nathan Ross and Danny Levi all played first grade in 2015, with Jaelen Feeney not far from making a debut either.

The retirement of Kurt Gidley will put some pressure on the senior playing group, with the young players in the club needing some direction and experience to rub off on them throughout the pre-season.

2016 Chances
Bringing in a new coach and a new halfback, the Knights' chances for next season are anyone's guess, but the club should do enough to avoid the wooden spoon in 2016. Predicted finish, 10th-14th.

Also anyone's guess is the predicted lineup for 2016. The loss of Kurt Gidley, as well as uncertainty over the future of James McManus, will possibly force a reshuffle of the backline, and the makeup of the forward pack in certainly up in the air as well, with about 15 blokes battling for only nine positions.

Best lineup for 2016

1. Dane Gagai
2. Jake Mamo
3. Chanel Mata'utia
4. Sione Mata'utia
5. Akuila Uate
6. Jarrod Mullen
7. Trent Hodkinson
8. Kade Snowden
9. Danny Levi
10. Mickey Paea
11. Robbie Rochow
12. Tariq Sims
13. Korbin Sims

14. Jeremy Smith
15. Jack Stockwell
16. Joey Tapine
17. Sam Mataora

Ins: Trent Hodkinson (Bulldogs), Todd Lowrie (Broncos), Mickey Paea (UK - Hull FC)

Outs: Kurt Gidley (UK - Warrington), Beau Scott (Eels), Clint Newton, David Fa'alogo (retired), Carlos Tuimavave (Hull FC), Tyrone Roberts (Titans), Adam Clydsdale (Raiders)