The fight to make Adam O’Brien’s top 17

The Fight to Make Adam O’Brien’s Top 17: A Key Battle for the Newcastle Knights

As the new season of the NRL approaches, one of the most intriguing storylines for the Newcastle Knights is the fierce competition for spots in Adam O’Brien’s top 17. After a challenging few years for the Knights, O’Brien, now firmly in charge, is building a team with the goal of returning to finals contention. With a mixture of experienced players, rising stars, and some high-profile signings, the fight to secure a starting spot in O’Brien’s squad has never been more intense.

Adam O’Brien, who took over the coaching role at Newcastle in 2020, has gradually shaped the team in his image, focusing on discipline, defensive resilience, and attacking fluency. In the past few seasons, the Knights have shown flashes of brilliance, but consistency has been their major issue. O’Brien now faces the task of building a squad capable of competing against the NRL’s heavyweights, and one of his biggest challenges is selecting his top 17 players who will provide the foundation for a successful season.

The competition for places is especially fierce in key positions, as the Knights have multiple players vying for starting roles. One of the most talked-about battles is at halfback, where young playmaker Jake Clifford and the more experienced Mitchell Pearce (who departed for Catalans Dragons in 2022) had a notable partnership, but now the team has to find stability in that crucial position. Clifford is expected to continue in the halfback role, but there are still questions about how he will link with the team’s forwards and other key playmakers.

In the forwards, the competition is also tough. The Knights have a strong group of big men, including David Klemmer, Daniel Saifiti, and Tyson Frizell, who are all capable of commanding spots in the starting lineup. Each player brings a unique skill set to the team—Klemmer is known for his aggression and physicality, Saifiti’s mobility and footwork make him an essential player in the middle, while Frizell’s defensive work rate and ball skills make him invaluable to the side. The battle to secure a place in the top 17 is particularly fierce among the forward pack, with fringe players like Sione Mata’utia and Lachlan Fitzgibbon looking to prove their worth.

On the edge, Newcastle has some rising talent that will be challenging established stars for starting spots. Players like Brodie Jones and Bradman Best, who are still developing but have shown flashes of brilliance, are in a fight to be included in O’Brien’s starting lineup. These young players have the potential to make a massive impact but will need to deliver consistent performances during pre-season and early rounds to earn their place.

In the backline, the competition is no less intense. The Knights have a solid group of outside backs, including Kalyn Ponga, who is one of the most dynamic fullbacks in the competition. Ponga’s form will be crucial for Newcastle’s success, and his leadership on the field will be a major factor in their campaign. However, the fight for spots alongside Ponga is fierce, with players like Dane Gagai, Bradman Best, and Enari Tuala all competing for the wing and center positions. While Ponga is a guaranteed starter, how O’Brien balances the backline to maximize the attacking potential of each player will be a key decision.

The depth of the squad also means that the players coming off the bench will play an important role in shaping the team’s fortunes. The competition for spots in the reserves is crucial, as O’Brien looks to build a squad that can not only start strong but finish games with energy and depth. Players like Phoenix Crossland, who can cover multiple positions, and new signings such as Greg Marzhew, will be fighting to show that they deserve a place in the rotation.

For O’Brien, the challenge is not just about choosing his top 17, but about creating a squad with the right balance of experience and youth, power and agility. As the season progresses, the competition for spots will only get more intense, and players will need to bring their best every week to stay in the mix for selection. O’Brien will rely on his coaching staff to analyze every training session and match performance, ensuring that the most deserving players are chosen.

Ultimately, the fight to make Adam O’Brien’s top 17 is a crucial one, as the Knights strive to put together a squad that can challenge for a spot in the NRL finals. For players, making the starting lineup is about more than just securing a place in the team; it’s about contributing to the long-term success of the club. As the pre-season heats up, all eyes will be on the Knights to see who steps up and earns their place in one of the most competitive and high-pressure environments in Australian sport. Whether it’s through consistent performances, leadership, or individual brillianplace, the yers who make O’Brien’s top 17 will play a vital role in Newcastle’s quest for glory in the upcoming season.