Newcastle's season spiralled out of control in the second half of the year as a dire losing streak saw them sink down the ladder and eventually end up with the wooden spoon.
Adam O'Brien's tenure was brought to an end as a result of the downfall, with the Knights moving quickly to replace him with Justin Holbrook.
However, the former Gold Coast head coach will have his work cut out for him as he takes over a side that finished with the worst attack in the league by some distance, while their defence also crumbled to pieces late in the campaign.
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Newcastle Knights predicted team list for Round 1
1. Kalyn Ponga
2. Dominic Young
3. Dane Gagai
4. Bradman Best
5. Greg Marzhew
6. Dylan Brown
7. Fletcher Sharpe
8. Jacob Saifiti
9. Sandon Smith
10. Trey Mooney
11. Jermaine McEwen
12. Dylan Lucas
13. Phoenix Crossland
14. Matthew Arthur
15. Tyson Frizell
16. Thomas Cant
17. Pasami Saulo
Knights latest team news ahead of Round 1
Kalyn Ponga had yet another injury-plagued campaign as he managed to play just 13 matches during Newcastle's rotten season. He was heavily linked to an exit from the Hunter, but reiterated his commitment to the club and will start in the No.1 jersey.
Dom Young's unsuccessful venture to Bondi ended midway through last season and he eventually re-joined the Knights. He will occupy one wing spot, with Greg Marzhew and Fletcher Hunt likely to compete for the other.
Bradman Best and the re-signed Dane Gagai remain some of the side's best strike weapons out in the centres.
James Schiller endured a difficult maiden campaign at the club following his switch from Canberra. He will provide cover across the backline, along with new recruit Asu Kepaoa, who has been signed from Penrith.
Dylan Brown has inked a mammoth deal to join the Knights and it remains to be seen whether he takes the No.6 or No.7 jersey.
Fletcher Sharpe was enjoying a stellar season in the halves before the young gun saw his year ended by a brutal injury blow in Perth. Holbrook stated that he saw the rising star as best suited to one of the positions in the halves.
The likes of Jack Cogger, Jackson Hastings and Jake Arthur were used as playmakers last season. The trio have all left the club, with new recruit Sandon Smith set to enter into the mix.
However, the former Sydney Roosters playmaker could be utilised at dummy-half at the start of the season as the coach tries to figure out his best spine configuration.
Leo Thompson rebuffed an extension offer from the Knights in favour of moving to Canterbury. The New Zealand international will be a big loss up front, with the side already light on big props.
Jacob Saifiti will shoulder more of the load and could be partnered by new signing Trey Mooney, who has joined from the Raiders after finding his opportunities limited in the nation's capital.
Trusty duo Mat Croker and Brodie Jones could also be in contention to start in the engine room.
Kai Pearce-Paul was a mainstay during his time in Newcastle, but the English backrower has moved on to join the Wests Tigers.
Jermaine McEwen could get the first crack at a starting spot following KPP's exit. Dylan Lucas, who had his year cut short by a foot injury, will occupy the other place in the backrow.
Phoenix Crossland looks set to start at lock, although he will face competition from veteran Tyson Frizell for the role, while Adam Elliott is out of the reckoning after not being offered a new deal.
Following Jayden Brailey's move to the Raiders, Matthew Arthur could provide either Smith or Crossland support off the bench. Tyson Gamble is also a potential utility option.
Pasami Saulo has been brought up from Canberra and could force his way into the starting side up front. Or he may have to settle for a place on the bench alongside the likes of emerging talents Thomas Cant and Elijah Salesa-Leaumoana.
Peter Hola has joined the club from the Dolphins and will be pushing for a place in the 17, while young prop Cody Hopwood will also be in with a chance of grabbing some time through the middle.