Veteran journalist Phil Rothfield has declared the Newcastle Knights are “in a world of pain” as they look ahead to the 2026 NRL season. Despite securing high-profile recruits, Rothfield remains skeptical about the team’s prospects.
Reports surfaced on Monday that Roosters star Sandon Smith has reportedly agreed to a four-year deal with the Knights, set to begin in 2026. Smith is expected to fill the hooker position, joining a revamped spine that will also feature Dylan Brown from the Eels. Brown is set to join Newcastle on a significant 10-year contract valued at $13 million.
However, Rothfield’s skepticism stems from the Knights’ recent performance, as they ended the current season with the dreaded wooden spoon. The team lost their last nine games, including a crushing 66-10 defeat by the Eels in Round 27.
Challenges Ahead for the Knights
Rothfield shared his concerns on NRL 360, expressing doubt about the Knights’ ability to turn their fortunes around. “I reckon they’re in a world of pain,” he stated during the broadcast. He highlighted the reluctance of potential candidates to join the club, noting, “(Josh) Hannay’s knocking them back. You manage Willie Peters. I hear he’s not keen.”
“Minus 300 for and against. They are in so much pain that footy club. No green shoots, whatever you call them. There’s nothing there.”
Meanwhile, the Knights’ struggles are compounded by their defensive record, which saw them finish with a negative 300-point differential. Rothfield’s comments underscore the challenges facing the club as they attempt to rebuild.
Key Players and Missing Pieces
Adding to the conversation, reporter Brent Read pointed out the absence of Knights star Kalyn Ponga for a significant portion of the season. Ponga, who is regarded as the team’s best player, participated in only 13 games in 2025. “They didn’t have Kalyn for half the year,” Read noted, suggesting that his absence contributed to the team’s poor performance.
Despite Ponga’s limited appearances, Rothfield questioned his impact when he was on the field. “Did you see them playing when he was on the field this year?” Rothfield asked. “He was poor.”
“He was down on form but he’ll be better next year,” Read countered, offering a more optimistic outlook on Ponga’s potential return to form.
Historical Context and Future Prospects
The Knights’ current predicament is not without precedent. Historically, the team has faced periods of struggle, often followed by rebuilding phases. The addition of Smith and Brown represents a significant investment in the future, but whether these moves will translate into success remains uncertain.
Looking forward, the Knights will need to address both on-field performance and organizational stability to improve their standing in the league. The departure of key figures and the reluctance of potential recruits highlight the challenges of attracting talent to a team in transition.
Implications for the 2026 Season
As the Knights prepare for the 2026 season, the pressure is on to deliver results and restore confidence among fans and stakeholders. The signings of Smith and Brown signal a commitment to change, but the team will need to demonstrate tangible progress on the field.
With the return of Kalyn Ponga and the integration of new talent, the Knights have an opportunity to redefine their trajectory. However, they must overcome significant hurdles to avoid another disappointing season.
The coming months will be critical as the Knights strategize and prepare for the challenges ahead. As Rothfield and others have pointed out, the road to recovery will require more than just high-profile signings; it demands a comprehensive approach to team development and performance enhancement.
