Newcastle Knights challenge NRL's rebuild narrative with strong season

The Newcastle Knights are currently in a surprising position as they push for the NRL finals in 2026, having recovered from a wooden spoon finish last year. Led by coach Justin Holbrook, the team has embraced an aggressive philosophy instead of opting for a traditional rebuild. By Round 10, they matched their entire win total from 2025, showcasing a marked improvement in both scoring and tackle efficiency. Key players such as Phoenix Crossland exemplify this shift with specific role adaptations. Despite injuries and roster uncertainties, the Knights have refrained from using ‘rebuild’ as an excuse for their performance this season.

• 3:02 AMZero Tackle NRL — The Knights have blown up the NRL’s favourite excuse