When Will the Newcastle Knights Become a Premiership Contender?

Published 22/02/2025 at 4:23PM.

As Adam O’Brien enters his sixth season as head coach of the Newcastle Knights, having made the finals in four of the past five years, they remain a step behind the true contenders, with just one finals win and four losses to show for it. Despite boasting a strong roster, the Knights struggle to become a true contender in the NRL premiership race.

Who is Responsible for This Cycle?

The Players – Is the team too reliant on Kalyn Ponga? Do the players have the talent? Do they have the will to win?

Adam O’Brien (Head Coach) – O’Brien has used 29 different halves combinations across 15 players, yet heading into Round 1, the team still doesn’t have a settled playmaking duo. Stability in key positions is a hallmark of premiership teams but O'Brien is still searching. Does he have what it takes to get it right in 2025?

Peter Parr (Football Director) – Is the club’s football strategy improving under his leadership?

Peter O’Sullivan (Recruitment Head) – Have recent recruitment decisions set the team up for success or does he need more time to work his magic?

Phil Gardner (CEO) – Is the club’s leadership setting high enough standards?

The Media – Local media has often shielded the club and O’Brien from criticism, deflecting blame elsewhere.

The Fans – Knights fans remain among the most loyal in the NRL, packing out McDonald Jones Stadium year after year. But is this unwavering support enabling mediocrity? Other clubs demand more—should Newcastle fans?

2025: The Year It Comes Together?

Is this finally the season where Newcastle transitions from finals participant to premiership contender? Or will we be asking the same questions in 12 months?

This article poses a lot of questions that will be answered as the season progresses, all on The Knighthood Podcast!

We will be going LIVE five minutes after every Newcastle Knights match in the 2025 NRL season via YouTube. Join us for full post-match reaction, in-depth analysis, press conference coverage, and HAVE YOUR SAY in real time.

Before that, don’t miss our Season Preview on Monday March 3 Live on YouTube at 7PM, just before the Round 1 team is announced, as we break down the squad and set expectations for 2025. See you there.

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