After winning only one game in 2016 and finishing last on the ladder, there is only one direction the Newcastle Knights can fo in 2017.
Unfortunately for their fans, it's more than likely that 2017 will have the same result as the team looks to rebuild.
The 2017 Newcastle Knights have lost a huge amount of experience from their squad with Jeremy Smith, Robbie Rochow, Tariq Sims, Korbin Sims and Akuila Uate all moving on from the club.
In another blow to their chances of avoiding a third straight wooden spoon, captain and star five-eighth Jarrod Mullen tested positive for a banned substance and it could become a career-ending suspension.
With big man Pauli Pauli also sidelined for an indefinite period in 2017, the Knights will rely upon a lot of young talent to try and lift themselves off the bottom of the ladder.
The signings of Jamie Buhrer from Manly and the return of former Parramatta Eels winger Ken Sio to the NRL are good moves but the club looks set for another long season with the light at the end of the tunnel being Kalyn Ponga joining the club in 2018.
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