Newcastle Knights Mid-Season Report Card

Putting aside a terrific start to the season, the Knights have been a major disappointment in 2015. Showing tremendous courage and determination to grind out four straight wins to open the year, Newcastle have gone on to lose eight of their next nine matches to slump to third-last, having led the competition after the opening month.

Injuries have played a factor in the Knights run of losses, but the major sticking point for spectators has been their inability to play for the entire 80 minutes. Capable of scoring tries from inside their own half, defensive lapses at crucial moments have seen Rick Stone's men give up leads, while fans have expressed their frustrations at a number of close losses caused by oppositions repeatedly targeting the defensive combination of Akuila Uate and Sione Mata'utia.

Club legend Kurt Gidley has also announced 2015 will be his last in the NRL, signing a two-year deal with English club Warrington to see out his career. While centre Joey Leilua and hooker Chad Redman have been released mid-season to link up with Canberra and Gold Coast respectively.

Positives:
When the Knights have been at their best, the major cause for success has been commitment in defence. Coming from behind to win their first three matches, the Knights have shown that they are capable of producing strong goal line defence which has been absent over the past two months. Likewise, Newcastle have also shown that given the opportunity to use the football in attack, they are capable of moments of brilliance.

Negatives:
On too many occasions in 2015, Newcastle have either given up leads or allowed soft tries that have ultimately cost themselves victory. The Round 11 capitulation against the Origin-depleted Broncos was especially hard for supporters to take, as the Knights blew an 18-6 lead with minutes remaining before halftime to go down 31-18 at home. Similarly, the Round 13 defensive display against the Raiders resulted in a number of fans walking out well before the end of the match.

Best Player:
Having knocked back an opportunity to return to Brisbane under coach Wayne Bennett, Dane Gagai has been a standout for the Knights at centre and fullback. Crossing for a number of long-range tries, highlighting his footwork, Gagai's form has been rewarded by Queensland coach Mal Meninga, who included him as 18th man for both Origin matches.

Predicted Finish:
With only four matches remaining at home, the Knights will need to turn their season around on the road. Facing away matches against Brisbane, Canberra, St. George Illawarra and Melbourne, Newcastle's first-half slump will likely be too much to come back from. However, the Knights have been known for stronger finishes in recent seasons, but it appears as though the damage has already been done.
Bottom 8 finish.

By the Numbers

Won: 5
Lost: 8
Bye: 1
Points Scored: 230 (12th)
Points Conceded: 290 (11th)
Placed: 14th
Overall Ranking: 15th

Season So Far

Round 1 Knights 24 v 14 Warriors

Round 2 Cowboys 14 v 16 Knights

Round 3 Titans 18 v 20 Knights

Round 4 Knights 26 v 14 Panthers

Round 5 Knights 0 v 13 Dragons

Round 6 Sharks 22 v 6 Knights

Round 7 Knights 22 v 28 Eels

Round 8 Knights 24 v 26 Cowboys

Round 9 Sea Eagles 30 v 10 Knights

Round 10 Knights 22 v 12 Tigers

Round 11 Knights 18 v 31 Broncos

Round 12 Warriors 24 v 20 Knights

Round 13 Knights 22 v 44 Raiders