Revamped Newcastle Knights Aim to Kickstart NRL Turnaround

The struggling club hopes to capitalize on the addition of star player Dylan Brown in season opener against North Queensland Cowboys.

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Newcastle Knights, a team with a storied history in the National Rugby League (NRL), are looking to turn around their recent struggles as they take on the North Queensland Cowboys in the league's season opener in Las Vegas. After a dismal 2025 season that saw them finish last, the Knights have undergone a major overhaul, including the high-profile signing of star player Dylan Brown to a 10-year, $13 million contract. The team is hoping Brown's explosive playmaking abilities will complement their existing star, Kalyn Ponga, and help the Knights regain their former glory.

Why it matters

The Knights' struggles in recent years have been a disappointment for their passionate fan base, who are eager to see the team return to its winning ways. The high-profile season opener in Las Vegas is an opportunity for the Knights to showcase their revamped roster and prove they can compete with the NRL's elite teams. The team's success, or continued struggles, will have major implications for the club's future direction and the loyalty of its devoted supporters.

The details

The Knights' 2025 season was a low point, as the team managed just 6 wins against 18 losses and finished last in the league. In response, the club has undergone a major overhaul, starting with the hiring of new head coach Justin Holbrook. The biggest move was the signing of star player Dylan Brown to a 10-year, $13 million contract. Brown is considered an elite talent due to his explosive running ability, playmaking skills, and strong defense. The Knights are hoping Brown can complement their existing star, Kaylon Ponga, and create more space for him to operate as one of the NRL's top playmakers.

  • The Newcastle Knights will take on the North Queensland Cowboys in the first of the NRL's two season-opening matches on Saturday, February 28, 2026 at 9:15 PM Eastern Time.
  • The Knights finished the 2025 season on a 9-game losing streak, culminating in a 66-10 loss in their final game.

The players

Dylan Brown

A star player signed by the Newcastle Knights to a 10-year, $13 million contract. Brown is considered an elite talent due to his explosive running ability, playmaking skills, and strong defense.

Kaylon Ponga

The Newcastle Knights' existing star player, who the team hopes will benefit from the addition of Dylan Brown and have more space to operate as one of the NRL's top playmakers.

Justin Holbrook

The new head coach hired by the Newcastle Knights to help turn the team around after their dismal 2025 season.

Andrew Johns

A former star player for the Newcastle Knights, who has questioned whether the team has lost its identity and should focus more on developing local junior talent.

Matty Johns

Andrew Johns' brother, also a former Newcastle Knights player and current NRL analyst for Fox Sports, who has compared the Knights to the Detroit Lions of the NFL.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I don't know what the DNA of the Knights is anymore. What sort of team are we? What sort of club are we? We have always built from within, looked at our local juniors coming through and put so much work into them. Find our DNA and coach these kids.”

— Andrew Johns, Former Newcastle Knights player

“We would be the Detroit Lions. The club should do a lot better with junior talent, but they keep losing them. They go to other clubs. So, we're fixing that, keeping our best kids.”

— Matty Johns, Former Newcastle Knights player and NRL analyst for Fox Sports (The Post)

“If Newcastle had a twin brother, it'd be the Pittsburgh Steelers. Newcastle is a coal-mining, steel town with really tough people, really earthy, knock-about people.”

— Matty Johns, Former Newcastle Knights player and NRL analyst for Fox Sports (The Post)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.