2018-present /

As the Newcastle Knights entered a new age, this period would be defined by modern superstars of the game, a global pandemic, multiple returns to finals football and the launch of the club's first women's side who would crown themselves in premiership glory.

NRL 2018

The Newcastle Knights finished the 2018 NRL season in 11th place, showing clear signs of growth as a new-look squad began to take shape. The Club’s pathways also enjoyed success, with the Jersey Flegg side finishing first to claim the minor premiership.

It was a year of major roster transition, with a large influx of talent making their club debuts including Mitchell Pearce, Kalyn Ponga and Connor Watson.

Several Knights hit significant milestones, including Shaun Kenny-Dowall and Mitchell Pearce each celebrating their 250th NRL games. Representative honours further highlighted the squad’s progress, with Kalyn Ponga making his Queensland State of Origin debut, and Herman Ese’ese and Slade Griffin earning New Zealand Test debuts.

To cap off a breakout first year in red and blue, Kalyn Ponga was named the Knights’ Players’ Player, won the RLPA Players’ Champion, and finished second in the Dally M Medal count, earning recognition from both peers and the wider rugby league community for his impact throughout the season.

Following three successive 16th place finishes, the 2018 season saw a mark improvement on the field.

NRL 2019

After showcasing improvement the previous year, the Knights finished the 2019 NRL season in 11th place, once again falling just short of finals contention.

Representative honours featured prominently, with Daniel Saifiti making his State of Origin debut for New South Wales, alongside teammates David Klemmer and Mitchell Pearce. Kalyn Ponga and Tim Glasby both returned to the Queensland side, further reinforcing the Knights’ contribution to elite representative rugby league.

The season also marked a period of transition in leadership and personnel. Coach Nathan Brown concluded his tenure after Round 23, with Kristian Woolf taking over for the remaining two games. Adam O’Brien was appointed Head Coach for 2020 and beyond.

NRL 2020

The red and blue returned to the finals in 2020, finishing the NRL season in 7th position, marking their first appearance in the post-season since 2013. The season was impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, which caused the competition to be temporarily suspended and led to the cancellation of all lower-grade competitions.

Following a lengthy stint as Assistant Coach at the Melbourne Storm, Adam O’Brien led the Knights as Head Coach, becoming only the 12th coach in the Club’s history, guiding the team back to finals contention amidst the challenges of a disrupted season.

Representative honours were a highlight for the Knights. Daniel Saifiti played all three games for New South Wales in State of Origin, earning the ‘True Blue’ Award for his performances in the 2-1 series loss. Edrick Lee made his Queensland debut, scoring a try and playing a pivotal role in the 20-14 series-deciding victory.

Kalyn Ponga continued to excel and was awarded the Danny Buderus Medal for Player of the Year.

NRL 2021

Despite the ongoing challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, the team produced a resilient campaign that again delivered September football.

The club recorded another significant step forward in 2021, finishing the season in 7th place, securing back-to-back finals appearances for the first time since 2004. 

Recruitment was highlighted by the arrival of Tyson Frizell, a proven State of Origin and Test forward who immediately added experience and leadership to the forward pack. 

The season also saw its share of change, with veteran playmaker Blake Green retiring mid-year after a distinguished NRL career across the UK and Australia.

COVID-19 again impacted the competition, with the entire NRL relocated to Southeast Queensland. The Knights operated out of a hub on the Sunshine Coast, navigating the challenges of relocation while maintaining their push towards the finals.

Major milestones were also celebrated. Mitchell Pearce became the first Knight to reach 300 NRL games after starting his career at the Roosters.

Representative honours again featured prominently. Daniel Saifiti played two State of Origin games for New South Wales—scoring a try in Game I—while Kalyn Ponga featured in Game III for Queensland, with the Blues ultimately winning the series 2–1.

At season’s end, the Club farewelled several players, including Connor Watson (Roosters), Josh King (Storm), Gehamat Shibasaki (Japanese Rugby), Mitchell Pearce (Catalans Dragons) and Blake Green (retired). Jacob Saifiti capped off a breakout campaign by claiming the Danny Buderus Medal, recognising him as the Knights' Player of the Year.

The Knights' season came to an end in week one of the finals, falling to Parramatta in the Elimination Final.

The 2021 season ultimately marked another year of progress, reinforcing the foundation for the Knights’ next phase under Adam O’Brien.

NRLW 2021

The 2021 season marked a historic milestone for the Newcastle Knights as the Club fielded its first-ever Telstra Women’s Premiership team. Due to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, the official 2021 NRLW competition was rescheduled and ultimately played in early 2022, but it remained recognised as the 2021 season.

Local junior Caitlan Johnston became the first contracted NRLW player in Knights history, underlining the Club’s commitment to homegrown talent. Casey Bromilow, who had previously guided the Knights’ Under 19s Tarsha Gale Cup squads, was appointed the inaugural NRLW Head Coach.

Leadership was established early, with Romy Teitzel named team captain, while Krystal Rota and Caitlan Johnston were announced as Club Captains, reflecting their influence both on and off the field.

A landmark moment arrived on Sunday, 27 February, when 17 players ran out for the Knights first NRLW match—Round 1 against Parramatta at McDonald Jones Stadium. Captain Romy Teitzel scored the Club’s first NRLW try, crossing in just the second minute to cement her place in Knights history.

Across the five-round regular season, the Knights faced the expected challenges of an inaugural campaign, particularly against more established NRLW squads. The team finished sixth, with no wins and five losses, but gained invaluable experience and laid the foundation for future success.

In total, 24 players made their NRLW debut for the Club during the inaugural season—an unprecedented wave of new talent that would help shape the Knights long-term NRLW identity.

At season’s end, forward Annetta Nu'uausala was recognised for her consistency and impact, receiving the honour of becoming the Knights’ first NRLW Player of the Year.

The 2021 campaign ultimately represented the start of something significant: the launch of a new era for women’s rugby league in Newcastle, built on community pride, pioneering spirit and a building a pathway for women to play at the highest level of the game.

NRL 2022

The club endured a challenging 2022 campaign, finishing 14th on the NRL ladder with six wins and 18 losses. Despite the results, the season featured key milestones, important squad developments and significant off-field changes that helped shape the Club’s long-term direction.

The Knights welcomed back Dane Gagai, who returned to Newcastle after four seasons with South Sydney. Before the start of the season, Kalyn Ponga and Jayden Brailey were appointed Co-Captains, underlining their influence within the playing group.

Injury disrupted Brailey’s season before it began, with the hooker suffering a ruptured Achilles tendon during pre-season. He made a determined return in Round 17, later reaching his 100th NRL appearance. 

A standout individual performance came in Round 16, when Edrick Lee scored five tries against the Gold Coast Titans, setting a new Club record for most tries in a single match.

The Knights secured long-term stability by re-signing Captain Kalyn Ponga on a five-year deal, keeping him in Newcastle until at least the end of 2027. Off the field, one of the Club’s most significant appointments occurred with the arrival of Peter Parr as Director of Football, bringing with him extensive experience and respected leadership.

At season’s end, Tyson Frizell was recognised for his consistency and professionalism, claiming the Danny Buderus Medal as the Knights’ NRL Player of the Year. 

In recognition of their outstanding contributions to the red and blue, former greats Kurt Gidley, Robbie O'Davis and Steve Simpson were inducted into the Knights Hall of Fame, an honour bestowed by the Club in partnership with the Once A Knight Old Boys.

Although results were difficult across the season, 2022 provided key building blocks for the Club’s future direction.

NRLW 2022

The 2022 NRLW season marked a remarkable turnaround for the Knights, as the team rose from last spot in their inaugural campaign to premiership winners in just their second year in the competition. Under newly appointed NRLW Head Coach Ronald Griffiths, a rebuilt and rejuvenated squad laid the foundations for a historic season.

A host of key recruits arrived to bolster the squad, including marquee signings Millie Boyle and Tamika Upton, alongside Hannah and Jesse Southwell, Yasmin Clydsdale, Olivia Higgins, Shanice Parker and Tayla Predebon. The fresh additions injected experience and elite talent across the park.

The Knights opened their 2022 campaign against the three-time champion Brisbane Broncos, announcing themselves in style with Jesse Southwell becoming the youngest player to ever score a try in NRLW history. 

The team’s consistency and growing confidence were reflected in their ladder position, finishing the five-game regular season in second place with four wins and just one loss. Newcastle then powered through their Semi-Final, defeating the St George Illawarra Dragons to book a Grand Final berth against the Parramatta Eels.

On October 2 at Accor Stadium, the Knights delivered a dominant performance on the biggest stage, scoring seven tries to two to claim a 32–12 victory and secure the club’s first NRLW premiership. The triumph was celebrated across the region, with the squad receiving the Key to the City from Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes in recognition of their achievement.

At the season’s end, Jesse Southwell and Shanice Parker were honoured as dual NRLW Players of the Year, capping off a landmark campaign that cemented the team’s place in Knights history.

NRL 2023

The 2023 season was one of revival and resilience for the club, culminating in a fifth-place finish with 14 wins, one draw and nine defeats to secure a well-earned return to finals football. Backed by a passionate home crowd and a squad that grew stronger as the year progressed, the Knights surged into September on the back of one of the club’s greatest winning streaks.

The year featured major milestones for some of the club’s most influential figures. Dane Gagai celebrated both his 250th NRL appearance and his 150th game for Newcastle, while Daniel Saifiti also reached 150 NRL and Knights games. Both were honoured as Life Members at the end-of-season awards night. Kalyn Ponga played his 100th NRL and club game, and Lachlan Fitzgibbon also hit the century mark for Newcastle.

Representative honours returned in force, with Tyson Frizell reclaiming his NSW State of Origin jersey for Games I and II, while Bradman Best—on debut—and Jacob Saifiti lined up for New South Wales in Game III. Off the field, club legend Danny Buderus received one of rugby league’s highest honours with induction into the NSWRL Hall of Fame.

On the park, the Knights thrilled supporters with a series of standout performances, none more emphatic than the club-record 66–0 victory over the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs in Round 18—a win that also marked Newcastle’s 400th victory in top-grade rugby league.

In a remarkable late-season surge, the Knights won 10 consecutive games to book their place in the finals and secure a home Semi-Final for the first time since 2006. Newcastle edged past the Canberra Raiders 30–28 in a thrilling week one finals encounter, before their season came to an end in New Zealand at the hands of the Warriors.

Superstar fullback Kalyn Ponga capped off an extraordinary individual campaign, overcoming a serious head knock at the start of the season, to comeback and win the Danny Buderus Medal as the Knights’ Player of the Year and became just the third player in club history to claim the prestigious Dally M Medal as the NRL’s Player of the Year.

The season will long be remembered for sell-out crowds at McDonald Jones Stadium and a captivating run culminating in a return to finals football in Newcastle.

NRLW 2023

The Knights NRLW squad continued their dominance in 2023, finishing the regular season in first place with eight wins and a single defeat to claim the Club’s first-ever minor premiership. The team then became the first in Knights history to secure back-to-back premierships, capping a remarkable season with victory in the 2023 Grand Final.

Ahead of the season, key members of the 2022 premiership-winning squad re-signed, including Tamika Upton, Jesse Southwell, Hannah Southwell, Yasmin Clydsdale, Caitlan Johnston, Shanice Parker, Olivia Higgins, Tayla Predebon, Kayla Romaniuk, Simone Karpani and Tiana Davison, providing experience and continuity for the campaign. In the State of Origin series prior to the NRLW season, Tamika Upton represented Queensland, while Jesse Southwell (making her Origin debut) and Yasmin Clydsdale wore the sky blue for New South Wales.

The side put together a seven-game winning streak to secure the minor premiership and continued their strong form into the finals. Newcastle defeated the Brisbane Broncos in the first women’s Semi-Final held in Newcastle breaking an NRLW record for highest standalone crowd attendance with just over 12,000 people, before facing the Gold Coast Titans in the Grand Final in Sydney. The Knights overcame a half-time deficit to claim a 24–18 victory, staging a second-half comeback to bring the trophy back to Newcastle.

Tamika Upton was named player of the match in the Grand Final, claiming her second consecutive Karyn Murphy Medal. Upton capped off the season by taking out both the Knights Player of the Year award and the NRLW Dally M Medal, marking a historic NRL first with two players from the same Club winning the league’s top individual honours in consecutive seasons.

The NRLW side were re-awarded the Key to the City by Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes at a civic reception in Newcastle further cementing their place in the club's history books.

NRL 2024

Newcastle finished the 2024 NRL season in eighth position, securing their second consecutive finals appearance under head coach Adam O’Brien. The side demonstrated resilience throughout the campaign, culminating in a crucial victory over the Dolphins in the final round to clinch a spot in the finals series.

Tyson Frizell played his 250th NRL game at the Club in Round 18 against the Canberra Raiders while representative honours featured prominently throughout the year.

Bradman Best returned to the State of Origin arena, scoring a crucial try in New South Wales’ Game III win over Queensland. At the international level, Best was selected for the Australian Kangaroos, while Phoenix Crossland and Leo Thompson were named in the New Zealand squad for the Pacific Championships.

Adam O’Brien reached his 100th game as head coach, guiding the side to back-to-back finals campaigns.

The Knights also achieved a record membership total, with 32,097 supporters signing up as members for the 2024 season, highlighting the strong connection between the Club and its community. The season concluded with an Elimination Final in Townsville, where Newcastle was defeated 28–16 by the North Queensland Cowboys.

Dane Gagai capped off a standout season by claiming the Danny Buderus Medal for Player of the Year, along with the Gladiator of the Year and Players’ Player awards, underlining his influence both on and off the field.

NRLW 2024

The Newcastle Knights NRLW side finished the 2024 regular season in third position, securing a place in the finals series for the third straight season.

Before the season began, several players represented their states in the inaugural three-game women’s State of Origin series, with Caitlan Johnston-Green, Olivia Higgins and Yasmin Clydsdale playing for New South Wales and Tamika Upton representing Queensland, including Game II in Newcastle.

A new coach was announced to take over the reigns with Ben Jeffries starting his tenure as Head Coach of the NRLW side, guiding the squad through a competitive season and debuting plenty of promising players who emerged through the women's pathways system.

Chasing a third premiership on the trot, the Knights’ finals campaign fell just short in a Semi-Final defeat to eventual premiers, the Sydney Roosters, in Sydney. Tamika Upton was named the Club’s Player of the Year for the second consecutive season.

Upton, Yasmin Clydsdale and Olivia Higgins all represented Australia at the end of the season claiming the Pacific Championships while Shanice Parker and Tiana Davison pulled on the Kiwi Ferns jersey for New Zealand.

Simone Karpani, Evah McEwen, Mercedez Taulelei-Siala and Viena Tinao all represented Fetu Samoa in the Pacific Championships.

NRL 2025

The 2025 season marked the 38th campaign for the Newcastle Knights in the NRL. Under the leadership of coach Adam O'Brien and captain Kalyn Ponga, the team fought hard throughout, backed by record-breaking membership support.

Following a number of key injuries and suspensions, results proved hard to come by in the middle to latter part of the season. Yet for all the adversity, the Knights brought young talent through the ranks and showed glimpses of the future.

Furthermore, a handful of Knights were recognised for hitting significant milestones in the NRL. Dane Gagai became one of 55 players in the game’s 117-year history to play 300 games after reaching the mark in Round 11 against the Parramatta Eels. Also, Phoenix Crossland, Tyson Frizell and Bradman Best went past 100 games in the red and blue.

The home crowd at McDonald Jones Stadium stayed engaged, with the club averaging over 20,000 per game in 2025. As the 2025 campaign concluded, attention naturally turned to building for 2026. During the ’25 campaign, Dylan Brown was confirmed as a marquee signing for the next season, while versatile player Sandon Smith was also signed to start a long-term deal in 2026.

Following the end of the campaign, Adam O’Brien announced 2025 would be his last as head coach. At the end-of-season awards night, Jacob Saifiti claimed his second Danny Buderus Medal for Player of the Season, while Dane Gagai was awarded Players’ Player.

The club announced former Knight and experienced head coach Justin Holbrook would lead the squad into the future.

NRLW 2025

The 2025 season marked the club’s fifth campaign in the elite women’s competition in the NRL. Before a ball was kicked, NRLW head coach Ben Jeffries announced inspiring forward Yasmin Clydsdale as the new captain of the squad.

After 11 rounds, the squad qualified for their fourth-straight finals appearance, finishing the regular season in third spot with seven victories.

The support at home was once again a major highlight. Newcastle’s NRLW side drew the one of the biggest crowds for the NRLW regular season when 15,935 fans filled McDonald Jones Stadium in Round 8, in line with an NRL match at the home of the Knights.

Newcastle were given a home semi-final after finishing in third, hosting the Gold Coast Titans at McDonald Jones Stadium and prevailing 34–20. A week later, the Knights were defeated by eventual premiers the Brisbane Broncos, falling one game shy of a Grand Final appearance.

At the end-of-season awards night, Yasmin Clydsdale was recognised for a fantastic season as the leader of the squad with the Player of the Year award.

The club's Harvey Norman Women's Premiership (reserve grade) finished the season as minor premiers, the club's first trophy in the competition, while the Under 19's and Under 17's squads progressed to the finals, highlighting the emerging talent coming through the women's pathways.