Knights 2023 preview: As always, all eyes on Kalyn Ponga

Bedding in several strong pickups and another attempt at moving Kalyn Ponga into the halves will be the focal point of the Newcastle Knights’ season start as Adam O’Brien strives to prove he’s actually the man for the Hunter job.

O’Brien, who is now entering his fourth season with the Knights, has a whole lot still to prove after the plaudits he brought with him from the assisting gig at the Sydney Roosters.

Twice he’s made finals, both times at 7th, but those postseason campaigns—in his first two years with the club too—died before they started. For a man that boasted he’s seen plenty of grand finals, so he knows how to win them, O’Brien hasn’t really proven he has any kind of talent at guiding an NRL team through the tumultuous playoff battles Newcastle is hoping to be in.

And then there’s Kalyn Ponga, the Queensland superstar.

While Ponga has certainly been electric, he’s never really hit a higher level with the Knights and has often found himself on the sideline watching on with a moon boot or a strapped-up wing. He’s shifting into a five-eighth role this season, per O’Brien’s suggestions.

If Newcastle wants to remind the competition they can be a squad to be feared, they have to find a new level in 2023. New recruits, from Greg Marzhew and Lachie Miller to Adam Elliott and Jackson Hastings, should help that, but it’s all going to be on Ponga’s shoulders to really marshall the squad around. Hastings at halfback should help, but it’s all eyes on Ponga.

Last year’s finish: 14th, six wins and 18 losses

Last ten NRL campaigns: 14th, 7th (Qualifying), 7th (Qualifying), 11th, 11th, Spoon, Spoon, Spoon, 12th, 7th (Prelim)

Predicted Round 1 lineup

1. Lachlan Miller
2. Greg Marzhew
3. Dane Gagai
4. Bradman Best
5. Dominic Young
6. Kalyn Ponga
7. Jackson Hastings
8. Jacob Safiti
9. Jayden Brailey
10. Daniel Safiti
11. Tyson Frizell
12. Jack Hetherington
13. Adam Elliott
14. Kurt Mann
15. Chris Randall
16. Brodie Jones
17. Leo Thompson

Coach: Adam O’Brien

Biggest loss: David Klemmer Biggest gain: Adam Elliott, Lachie Miller, Jackson Hastings

How 2023 is looking for Newcastle

For the Knights, everything hinges on Kalyn Ponga—a preseason prediction the Newcastle faithful have likely gotten very used to reading every single season since the fullback starlet joined in 2018.

Now, as he enters his sixth year with the club, something has to change. Ponga is moving positions, yes, with the hopes less defensive responsibilities and injecting him right into the line may give him room for more impact, but no matter where he starts on the field the 24-year-old must begin to fulfil the promise he’s offered up to the red-and-blues for half a decade.

This year he’s got a strong setup around him too. Jackon Hastings joins as the first real star halfback the Knights have had since cutting Mitchell Pearce loose and Jayden Brailey is fit and ready to go after injuries clouded much of his early seasons.

Even better, Newcastle has been handed a stellar opening run. There are only two home games in five, but all five of the matches are against teams that missed the finals in 2022, including the wooden spooners the Tigers, the 15th-placed Warriors, and newcomers the Dolphins.

If the Knights can’t get headwind early against those three and carry it into battles with the Raiders at home and the Sea Eagles in Mudgee, Adam O’Brien could be facing the chop sooner rather than later.

Predicted 2023 finish: 14th

First five: Warriors (A), Tigers (A), Dolphins (H), Raiders (H), Sea Eagles (A)

TopSport odds: Premiers $67, Make Top 4: $19, Make Final 8: $5.50, Miss The Top 8: $1.14

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