Newcastle have the roster to make the eight in 2015

We all know how lethal the knights can be when on song. We saw glimpses of their 2013 form, in which they made the finals, this season but they still struggled to get out of that bottom four.

So, how will they make the top eight next year? How can they regain their confidence and skill to produce consistent performances and not just the odd good game here and there?

Newcastle have one of the most underrated back lines in the league. Jarrod Mullen and Tyrone Roberts in the halves steer the ship, and if injury free can be very deadly for the opposition.

But in particular the Knights’ outside backs are exactly what you need down the sidelines. With Dane Gagai and BJ Leilua in the centres with Akuila Uate and James McManus on the wings, you couldn’t ask for a more skilful and speedy back line.

With some quality back-ups, such as Jake Mamo and the Mata’utia brothers, there should be no massive loss when injuries hit. To top it off Darius Boyd reportedly telling team mates he wants to stay at the Knights could prove he has had a change in attitude and possibly return to his best form.

This is easily a top eight back line. For it to succeed, Newcastle’s halves have to focus and execute all their sets. Keeping the game controlled with kicks for the sideline and solid defence. For the Knights’ back line to shine it’s up those two players to really take control.

Many say it is Newcastle’s forwards that don’t lay the platform for the backs and is the reason for their very disappointing season. But not many teams can boast such a massive pack. Willie Mason is a metre-making machine and will leave a massive spot to fill. If Rick Stone (Wayne Bennett’s replacement) can sign a fairly large player who can play long minutes and does his job, then that is perfect.

Tariq Sims will help the forwards with his ability to play 80 minutes and his skilful ball running, which Newcastle have lacked recently. Pair him up with Beau Scott and you’ve got two NSW representative second rowers in your forwards. Adam Clydsdale is a good young hooker and will take a lot more responsibility if he plays 80 minutes with Travis Waddell leaving.

If the forwards do their job and give the backs something to work with, watch out as they could be very hard to stop

Rick Stone definitely has some pressure on his shoulders to flip this side back to title contenders but he has the men to do it. If the Knights stay composed and out of the spotlight then they will be a winning side once more.