The Mole: Brutal reality Newcastle must accept before solving confidence-killing 'riddle'

Newcastle Knights: 2023 finish: 5th | 2024 finish: 8th

The Knights played finals football for the fourth time in Adam O'Brien's five-year tenure, but the lack of a steady halfback combination saw the club knocked out in week one.

And Newcastle won't be challenging the NRL's big dogs until it solves its problems in the playmaking area.

READ MORE: Cowboys grounded after failing to book Sydney flight

READ MORE: Slater would drop axe on half in Roosters 'shake-up'

READ MORE: Bitter pill for Piastri after 'perfection' flipped script

Remarkably, the club used 11 different halves combinations in 25 games - little wonder the Knights often struggled for direction in attack.

Tyson Gamble and Jackson Hastings began the season in the six and seven jerseys but O'Brien chopped and changed later in the campaign once both had lost his confidence.

In the end, Phoenix Crossland and Jack Cogger were left with the playmaking duties. While both are capable players, they do not have the makings of an NRL top four shot-calling combination.

But new recruitment manager Peter O'Sullivan has a great track record of solving problems, and the Knights will be a genuine force in 2025 once he solves the halves riddle.

Watch the 2024 NRL premiership live and free on Nine and 9Now.

In Kalyn Ponga, they have arguably the game's most elusive running fullback and he was superb in the 16 games he played.

The Cowboys couldn't get near him in the sudden death final last weekend and only the fact the Knights ran out of steam in the Townsville heat and humidity saw the team eliminated after dominating much of the match.

With new winger Fletcher Sharpe bagging 11 tries in 12 games and Greg Marzhew having another solid campaign, the club had a dangerous back three that troubled many rivals.

Bradman Best and Dane Gagai were as dangerous as any centre combination in the league, scoring 15 tries between them and making a host of line breaks.

The forwards worked well as a unit, especially in packed houses at home where the parochial Knights fans cheered them on.

Adam Elliott showed he had a great motor, Brodie Jones and Dylan Lucas continued to improve, Englishman Kai Pearce-Paul proved he is up to NRL standard, Leo Thompson was a weapon and the Saifiti brothers had their moments.

Tyson Frizell's big game experience and toughness was a huge asset and he played through pain on many occasions.

Hooker Jayden Brailey gave good service from dummyhalf but somewhat surprisingly, is one of several Knights who has been told he can look around for a new home.

Best player: Kalyn Ponga is all class and his speed, acceleration and ability to pick holes in the defence made him one of the game's most watchable players this season.

Needs to lift: Will Pryce came the the Knights from the UK with high expectations bit managed just five games for one try. At 21, he has time on his side and will be looking for more game time in 2025.

Key signing: James Schiller will add depth to the backline but the Knights really need to find an elite halfback - and quickly. If they do, the sky's the limit.

2025 gains: James Schiller (Canberra Raiders, 2027)

2025 losses: David Armstrong (Leigh Leopards), Jed Cartwright (Hull FC), Myles Martin (Canberra Raiders).