1998-2007 /

As the club moved through the turn of the millennia, the decade would prove to be the most successful in the club's history, marked by representative honours at the highest level of the game, continual finals appearances, club greats calling time on their career and a second premiership on an historic day in 2001.

NRL 1998

The 1998 season was one of the strongest across all levels of the Newcastle Knights pathway system, with every grade from the Under-16s through to First Grade qualifying for the semi-finals. The achievement reflected the depth of the playing roster and the continued development of junior talent throughout the region.

In first grade, Newcastle produced a highly consistent regular season, finishing equal on competition points with the Brisbane Broncos, who claimed the minor premiership on points differential. Strong home support again played a key role, with Newcastle recording the highest average home crowds in the premiership, reinforcing the club’s position as one of the league’s premier drawing teams.

Representative honours featured prominently. Tony Butterfield earned his first New South Wales State of Origin jersey, adding to a strong group of Knights involved in state and international squads throughout the season. 

The year also marked a significant transition for the club with the departure of head coach Malcolm Reilly, who concluded his tenure at the end of the season. Reilly oversaw some of the most successful years in the club’s early history, including the 1997 premiership, and remained a highly respected figure within the organisation.

Individually, it was a standout year for Andrew Johns, who not only claimed the Club’s Player of the Year Award but also secured his first Dally M Medal as the NRL’s best and fairest. His performances throughout the season, including his organisational control and kicking game, were central to the Knights’ strong campaign.

Although the Knights were eliminated during the semi-finals, the 1998 season remains one of the club’s most consistent and successful years across all grades to that point.

NRL 1999

The 1999 season marked the beginning of a new era at the Newcastle Knights with the appointment of Warren Ryan as head coach. One of the most experienced and respected tacticians in the game, Ryan previously won premierships at Canterbury-Bankstown and Balmain.

It was also a significant year in the club’s history as the Knights farewelled Paul Harragon, a foundation player, long-serving Club Captain, State of Origin mainstay and Australian Test representative. Harragon’s retirement closed the chapter on one of Newcastle’s most influential careers, with 'Chief' remaining one of the most revered figures in the club’s story.

On the field, the Knights endured one of their most challenging campaigns to date, hit hard by injuries that forced the use of 33 first-grade players across the season—the highest total in the club’s history at that time. Despite the disrupted lineup and constant reshuffling, Newcastle remained competitive and fought their way into the NRL finals.

The club also made several key recruitment moves that would shape its forward pack for years ahead. Representative forwards Ben Kennedy, Matt Parsons, and David Fairleigh were signed for the following season, adding international and State of Origin calibre to the squad and signalling a strong platform for future campaigns.

Individually, Danny Buderus enjoyed a breakout season, establishing himself as one of the game’s premier young hookers. His consistency, leadership around the ruck and defensive work-rate earned him the Player of the Year Award, foreshadowing his rise to State of Origin and international honours in the years to come.

Andrew Johns was once again named the best player in the NRL, claiming his second Dally M Medal in 1999.

While the Knights’ 1999 campaign was marked by adversity, it also provided important foundations—new coaching direction, key forward signings, and the emergence of Buderus—that helped position the club for success heading into the turn of the millennia.

NRL 2000

It was a strong year on the field in 2000, wit the first-grade side finishing outright third on the premiership table, putting them in a good position for the finals.

Offensively, the Knights were one of the most potent attacking sides in the competition. They scored more tries than any other team during the season, crossing for a total of 126 tries.

Despite the strength of their regular season, the Knights fell short in the finals. Their 2000 campaign is often remembered as 'the lost premiership' with many believing this was one of the most talented Knights sides assembled, but ultimately unable to convert that potential into a Grand Final appearance.

At the end of the season, Warren Ryan’s coaching tenure came to a close, as he departed the club.

Two premiership winners with the club announced their farewells. Tony Butterfield, who ended his Newcastle career after a club-record 229 games, called time on his illustrious career while Matthew Johns, a Life Member of the Knights, departed the club to play in England, marking the end of another era.

David Fairleigh was named the Knights’ Player of the Year, having delivered consistently strong performances across the campaign.

NRL 2001

The 2001 season was one of the most celebrated in Newcastle Knights history, highlighted by the club’s second premiership victory and record levels of representative involvement.

Former Knight Michael Hagan, the ex-Club Captain returned as first-grade coach while Andrew Johns was appointed on-field captain and Bill Peden served as Club Captain, providing consistent leadership across all club operations. 

After finishing the regular season in third, Newcastle entered the finals series with strong form and advanced to the NRL Grand Final to face minor premiers, the Parramatta Eels. In a commanding performance, the Knights built an early lead, racing to 24–0 by halftime. Key first-half tries came from Bill Peden, Steve Simpson, and Ben Kennedy. Parramatta responded in the second half, but Newcastle held firm, with Timana Tahu adding another try and Andrew Johns orchestrating the victory. The Knights won 30–24, claiming the Telstra Premiership for the second time in club history. Andrew Johns was awarded the Clive Churchill Medal for his standout performance.

The triumph sparked celebrations across the Hunter region, with an estimated 15,000 fans gathering at Marathon Stadium at 3:30 am to celebrate the achievement, reflecting the deep connection between the club and its community.

Representative honours were a highlight of the season. The Knights had a record presence at all levels: five players selected for Australia, three for State of Origin, and six for Country representative matches. Key representatives included Andrew Johns, Danny Buderus, Steve Simpson, Ben Kennedy and Matthew Gidley.

At club level, Steve Simpson was named Player of the Year, recognising his consistent work in the forward pack and critical contributions to Newcastle’s premiership-winning campaign.

The 2001 season remains a defining chapter in Knights history: a premiership victory, record-breaking representative selection, and unforgettable moments that cemented the team’s place in the hearts of its supporters.

NRL 2002

The 2002 season was another strong campaign for the Knights, finishing second on the premiership ladder, narrowly missing the minor premiership on points differential. Despite injuries to key players, the squad showed depth, with younger players stepping up to maintain Newcastle’s competitive edge.

Andrew Johns continued his leadership as club captain. He also led Newcastle’s contingent in representative football, captaining Australia and maintaining a high standard in New South Wales State of Origin.

The season included a trip to England for the 2002 World Club Challenge, where Newcastle faced the Bradford Bulls but were defeated 41-26.

At the club’s end-of-season awards, Andrew Johns was named Player of the Year, capping a standout year during which he also claimed his third Dally M Medal, further cementing his status as one of the game’s greats.

Newcastle entered the finals with genuine premiership aspirations for their third title, however their campaign ended  following a loss to the Sydney Roosters in the Semi-Finals.

Steve Simpson and Timana Tahu capped off memorable seasons with selection for Australia, continuing the club's strong representative presence in the late 90's to early 00's.

NRL 2003

The 2003 season was another solid year for the club, marking their seventh consecutive season in the finals. The Knights finished 7th on the premiership ladder, reflecting a competitive campaign despite some challenges.

The season was impacted by injury, as Andrew Johns suffered a serious neck problem that disrupted his playing time.

Johns continued his long-standing role in both New South Wales and Australia, while Steve Simpson – by this time a regular in the Knights’ forward pack – also represented NSW and Australia, reinforcing Newcastle’s influence in elite-level rugby league. Young forward Josh Perry also was selected for NSW for the first time.

During the campaign, Johns and Robbie O’Davis both played their 200th first-grade games, a testament to their longevity, leadership, and consistent high-level performances for the club.

At club level, Danny Buderus was named Player of the Year for the second time.

Despite a strong regular season, the Knights’ finals campaign was cut short with elimination in the first week. Nevertheless, 2003 remained significant for the club in terms of player development, milestones, and sustained representative success.

NRL 2004

The 2004 season was a challenging campaign for the Newcastle Knights, marked by injury setbacks. In Round 3, captain Andrew Johns suffered a serious knee injury, ruling him out for the remainder of the season.

In Johns’ absence, Danny Buderus assumed the role of club captain and also led the New South Wales State of Origin team in all three games of the series. Buderus’ leadership and consistency were pivotal as the Knights navigated a difficult season. Despite his efforts, the club finished 10th on the premiership ladder, narrowly missing the finals by two positions.

Buderus’ outstanding performances were recognised at both club and national levels. He was awarded the Dally M Player of the Year, reflecting his influence as a hooker, his leadership, and his defensive and attacking output. Additionally, he was named Vice-Captain of Australia for the Tri-Nations tournament against New Zealand and Great Britain and was called upon to captain the Australian side against Great Britain following an injury to Darren Lockyer.

At club level, Buderus was also named Newcastle Knights Player of the Year for the third time, underscoring his remarkable consistency and leadership during a season that tested the squad’s depth and resilience.

NRL 2005

The 2005 season was one of the most challenging in Newcastle Knights history, as the club finished last on the NRL ladder for the first time.

Andrew Johns, Steve Simpson, and Danny Buderus all represented New South Wales in State of Origin, with Buderus serving as captain of the Blues. Johns made a triumphant return to the Origin arena after overcoming a serious knee injury the year prior with arguably his finest performance in Game II of the series.

With Andrew Johns managing fitness and injury issues, Danny Buderus captained the side throughout the season. At the same time, Michael Hagan, while coaching Newcastle, also served as coach of the Queensland State of Origin squad for the second successive year, highlighting his stature as one of rugby league’s respected coaches.

Individually, Danny Buderus was named as Dally M Hooker of the Year while Steve Simpson was named Knights Player of the Year, a testament to his consistency, toughness, and commitment throughout a difficult season.

NRL 2006

The 2006 season marked a strong turnaround for the club. After finishing last in 2005, the team rebounded to finish fourth on the NRL premiership ladder.

Andrew Johns played his final Test match for Australia during this season. He also became the NRL’s all‑time leading point scorer, breaking Jason Taylor’s record in Round 18.

The Knights' representative presence was again significant. Kurt Gidley, Danny Buderus, and Steve Simpson were all selected for Country Origin. In State of Origin football, Andrew Johns, Steve Simpson, and Danny Buderus represented New South Wales, with Buderus captaining the Blues for the third consecutive season.

In the finals, Newcastle won their first finals match of the year at home, defeating Manly-Warringah, but their campaign ended the following week with a loss to eventual premiers, the Brisbane Broncos.

At the end of the season, coach Michael Hagan departed the club to join the Parramatta Eels. Meanwhile, Matthew Gidley, a long-serving Knight and fourth player to reach 200 first grade games for the club, played his final year for Newcastle before moving on to St Helens in England.

Danny Buderus had another standout year named Player of the Year for the club.

NRL 2007

The 2007 season marked a period of significant transition for the Knights. Brian Smith took over as first-grade coach, bringing extensive experience and a focus on rebuilding the squad. It was also a landmark year, as Andrew Johns announced his retirement from rugby league due to an ongoing neck injury, ending one of the all-time great careers.

Johns won two premierships over his time at the Knights, numerous personal accolades and forged a long-standing legacy in the No.7 jumper.

Representative honours highlighted the quality of the Knights’ playing group. Danny Buderus, Kurt Gidley, and Clint Newton were selected for Country Origin, while Jarrod Mullen and Kurt Gidley made their State of Origin debuts for New South Wales, joining established teammates Danny Buderus and Steve Simpson. Additionally, Kurt Gidley earned an Australian Test jersey against New Zealand.

The squad saw the return of Adam MacDougall, who rejoined the Knights after three seasons with South Sydney, adding experience and attacking strength. Despite this, Newcastle struggled on the field, suffering seven consecutive losses from rounds 18 onwards, and finished 15th on the NRL ladder.

At club level, Kurt Gidley was a standout performer throughout the season. He was named Knights Player of the Year. The 2007 season was a year of transition and rebuilding, marked by the departure of a club legend, the emergence of younger players, and continued strong representation at state and international level.