While only eighteen players take the field on game day, the depth of an NRL squad is tested across a gruelling season. The Newcastle Knights, who utilised thirty-three players in 2025, know this better than most. As the 2026 campaign approaches, attention turns to the next generation of talent waiting in the wings, with several uncapped players within the club's top-thirty roster eligible for a debut from round one.
The Top Prospects Pushing for Selection
Following the analysis of last year's debutants, we now spotlight five emerging Knights who are firmly in the frame for a first-grade call-up in the coming season. These players represent the future of the club and are poised to make their mark.
Wilson De Courcey: The Try-Scoring Phenom
Wilson De Courcey, a former Australian Schoolboys representative, joined the Knights from Penrith in late 2023 and has since made a significant impact in the NSW Cup. The young outside back, who can play wing or centre, announced his potential with a stunning nineteen tries in just eighteen reserve grade games last season, including a four-try haul in a single match. Having only just turned twenty, his attacking prowess is undeniable. While questions remain about his defensive consistency, his raw talent and physical development make him a compelling prospect for first-grade action should an opportunity arise.
Lachlan Crouch: The Local Forward Ready to Step Up
One area of perceived need for the Knights' NRL squad is depth in the middle forwards. While new signings Trey Mooney and Peter Hola will bolster the pack, Lachlan Crouch is a local junior who could surprise. The twenty-two-year-old, an East Maitland product, was originally part of Newcastle's development system before a stint at Cronulla. He returned to the Knights mid-season in 2025 on a three-year deal, giving him a valuable head start on pre-season integration. This extra time at the club could be crucial in his push for higher honours.
Francis Manuleleua: The Highly-Touted Back-Rower
Recruitment manager Peter O'Sullivan brought Francis Manuleleua from the Panthers with considerable praise, having tracked the Auckland-born forward since he was fourteen. O'Sullivan labelled him "one of the more talented players I have come across." The twenty-one-year-old back-rower backed up that faith with eight tries in twenty NSW Cup appearances in 2025, earning the NSW Cup players' player award from his teammates. His combination of talent and a strong work ethic could see him break into the NRL setup with consistent performances.
Wil Sullivan: The Rangy Country Forward
A key early signing for Peter O'Sullivan, Wil Sullivan was secured on a four-year contract, signalling the club's long-term belief in him. The twenty-one-year-old from Laidley in Queensland has endured injury setbacks but possesses the ideal frame for a modern forward at 194 centimetres tall and over 100 kilograms. A former Queensland junior representative, Sullivan has the physical tools and now needs a clear run at fitness to showcase his potential in the Knights' system.
Toby Winter: The Exciting Junior Star
Perhaps the most exciting long-term prospect of the group is outside back Toby Winter. The Dudley-Redhead Magpies junior enjoyed a stellar 2025, winning the Andrew Johns Medal as Newcastle's SG Ball Player of the Year. His talent was further recognised with selection for the Australian Schoolboys, following appearances in the Jersey Flegg under-21 competition at just seventeen years of age. Although likely to start 2026 in the NSW Cup, his inclusion in NRL squad training is a clear indicator of his future trajectory at the club.
The Path to the NRL in 2026
For these five Knights, the 2026 season represents a critical juncture. Their performances in pre-season training and in the early rounds of the NSW Cup will be closely monitored by coach Adam O'Brien. With the inevitable injuries and form fluctuations that define an NRL season, their readiness could be tested at any moment. The club's investment in youth, exemplified by these promising talents, is a strategic move to build sustainable success, ensuring the Knights have the depth required to compete at the highest level.
