The nib Newcastle Knights are blessed with options for 2019.
In the lead-up to the new season, newcastleknights.com.au will look over the depth of the Club and break down the positional options at the disposal of coach Nathan Brown.
This week we take a look at the No.1. possibilities.
Kalyn Ponga
KP reveals his biggest challenge for 2019
What a year it was for Kalyn Ponga in 2018.
In his first season in the red and blue, the 20-year-old took the NRL by storm with a very impressive season that earnt him the RLPA Player's Champion and runner up in the Dally M.
In 20 appearances for the Knights, Ponga averaged 141.9 running metres a game, crossed for six tries and had 11 try-assists.
The one statistic Ponga dominated the NRL in was tackle breaks, finishing with 140 on the season and was the leader in average tackle breaks per game with seven.
He dominated the NRL in the custodian position last season, but his performance in the Round 23 clash against the Panthers, where he played five-eighth, has opened the door for a potential switch.
He gives Coach Nathan Brown the option of playing either fullback or five-eighth in 2019.
Connor Watson
Injury Report: Latest on Kalyn Ponga and Connor Watson
Connor Watson has played almost every position during his time in the NRL.
He came off the bench as the 'Mr. Fix-it' for the Sydney Roosters playing fullback, five-eighth, lock and even hooker.
He came to the Knights in 2018 with intentions of cementing a position at five-eighth next to Mitchell Pearce.
But with the rapid rise of Kalyn Ponga, Brown may look to swap the two for the 2019 season.
Watson has played fullback before, and he believes the swap wouldn't be an issue and a challenge he'd relish.
In the one game Watson filled in at fullback last season, it was arguable his best game of 2018.
In the Round 16 clash with the Bulldogs Watson crossed for two tries, ran for 162 metres, and had three line-breaks.
Nathan Ross
Last season was a frustrating season for Nathan Ross who was restricted to only 15 games in the red and blue due to a troublesome pelvis injury.
The 'Ross-Dog' is a crowd favourite who can play fullback, centre or wing.
His versatility makes him another option for Brown should injuries pop up throughout the year.
Starford To'a
Junior representative To'a re-signs
If you haven't heard of him before, you will soon.
The young gun is a player to keep an eye on.
He's an Australian Schoolboy representative and the Knights expect big things from him in 2019.
Set to play Jersey Flegg next year, To'a is a talent developing at a rapid speed.
He can also cover centre or wing.
He has blistering speed and great footwork.
Tex Hoy
A versatile and creative player, Hoy could kit up in any role.
Usually a half but equally as comfortable in the No.1, Hoy is enjoying his first NRL pre-season following a successful 2019 in ISP NSW and Jersey Flegg.
