The Knights have been one of the busiest clubs in the land leading into 2024, signing plenty of talent but also losing some useful players.
Officials have high hopes for English recruits Kai Pearce-Paul (Wigan Warriors) and Will Pryce (Huddersfield Giants), although the former’s foot injury is an unwanted early setback.
Jack Cogger shapes as a fine addition at halfback after serving a year in the Penrith system under the Ivan/Nathan Cleary combination and could put the heat on Jackson Hastings for the No.7 jersey.
READ MORE: Broncos fume as Roosters pinch ‘Addo-Carr clone’
READ MORE: Skipper saves Socceroos in thriller over Palestine
READ MORE: World Cup’s baffling snub for Aussie hero
Former Rabbitoh Jed Cartwright will add to an impressive forward arsenal and is a good bench player who will bring impact when he gets his chance on the field.
On the negative, Dom Young is a huge loss – not just for coach Adam O’Brien but also for the fans.
The lanky winger was a crowd favourite in his time at the Knights and scored some spectacular tries last season – many with assists from the brilliant Kalyn Ponga.
Tom Jenkins has been brought in from Penrith to replace him and he’s a promising finisher but lacks the dynamic tryscoring ability of Young – at this stage.
Lachlan Fitzgibbon and Kurt Mann were both useful performers in recent seasons who will also be missed.
After a slow start to 2023, the Knights’ charge to the finals was one of the stories of the year and there’s no reason to think they won’t again be serious finals contenders next year.
If big guns Ponga and Bradman Best can stay healthy and the Englishmen come good, this is a team capable of challenging for a top four berth.
Predicted finish: 4th to 8th
2024 gains: Kai Pearce-Paul (Wigan Warriors), Will Pryce (Huddersfield Giants), Jack Cogger (Panthers), Jed Cartwright (Rabbitohs), Tom Jenkins (Panthers)
2024 losses: Dominic Young (Roosters), Lachlan Fitzgibbon (Warrington Wolves), Simi Sasagi (Raiders), Lachlan Miller (Leeds Rhinos), Fa’amanu Brown (Hull FC), Oryn Keeley (Dolphins), Kurt Mann (Bulldogs), Dane Aukafolau (unsigned), Hymel Hunt (unsigned), Jack Johns (unsigned)