2020 Newcastle Knights season

The 2020 Newcastle Knights season was the 33rd in the club's history. Coached by Adam O'Brien and captained by Mitchell Pearce, they competed in the NRL's 2020 Telstra Premiership. On 23 March, the NRL announced that the season would be suspended after round 2, until further notice due to the COVID-19 pandemic.[1] The NRL returned on 28 May with a new draw,[2] the Knights' round 3 game coming on 31 May against the Penrith Panthers.[3] The Knights finished the regular season in 7th place (out of 16), thus reaching the finals but were knocked out after losing to the South Sydney Rabbitohs in week 1 of the finals.

2020 Newcastle Knights season
NRL Rank7th
Play-off resultQualifying Finalists
2020 recordWins: 11; Draws: 1; Losses: 9
Points scoredFor: 421; Against: 374
Team information
CEOPhil Gardner
CoachAdam O'Brien
Captain
StadiumMcDonald Jones Stadium
Avg. Attend.4,614
High. Attend.10,239
Top scorers
TriesEnari Tuala (11)
GoalsKalyn Ponga (46)
PointsKalyn Ponga (132)
< 2019 2021 >

Squad
For the complete list of Newcastle Knights players, see List of Newcastle Knights players.
Newcastle Knights
2020 NRL premiership (Top 30) squad Development players Coaching staff
  • Mat Croker - PR
  • Luke Huth - HK
  • Simi Sasagi - FE

Extended squad players

  • Mitch Black - HK
  • Jack Cameron - SR
  • Matt Cooper - FB
  • Zac Hosking - LK
  • Dylan Lucas - FE
  • Toby Marks - WG
  • Brandon Russell - LK
  • Bayden Searle - HB
  • Matt Soper-Lawler - WG

Head coach

Assistant coaches

Legend:
  • (c) Captain(s)
  • (vc) Vice captain(s)

Updated: 4 August 2020
Source(s): Newcastle Knights Profiles,
Rugby League Project

Transfers and Re-signings

Gains
Player/CoachPrevious ClubLength
Adam Bettridge (Jersey Flegg Cup coach)Macquarie Scorpions2020
Jayden BraileyCronulla-Sutherland Sharks2022
Matt CooperEastern Suburbs Tigers2020
David Furner (assistant coach)Leeds Rhinos2022
Blake GreenNew Zealand Warriors2020
Andrew McCulloughBrisbane Broncos2020
Adam O'Brien (head coach)Sydney Roosters2022
Willie Peters (assistant coach)South Sydney Rabbitohs2020
Tyronne Roberts-DavisBurleigh Bears2020
Gehamat ShibasakiBrisbane Broncos2022
Matt Soper-LawlerSouths Logan Magpies2020
Enari TualaNorth Queensland Cowboys2020

Losses
Player/CoachClub
Mitch AndrewsContract terminated
Nathan Brown (head coach)Contract terminated
Jamie BuhrerRetirement
Kiah CooperWestern Suburbs Rosellas
Sale FinauSunbury United Rugby League
Jacob GagaiSouth Sydney Rabbitohs
James GavetHuddersfield Giants
Slade GriffinRetirement
Shaun Kenny-DowallHull Kingston Rovers
Brayden MusgroveManly Warringah Sea Eagles
Jesse RamienCronulla-Sutherland Sharks
Nathan RossRetirement
James Shepherd (assistant coach)St. George Illawarra Dragons
Sam StoneGold Coast Titans
Kristian Woolf (assistant coach & interim head coach)St Helens R.F.C.
Zac WoolfordNewtown Jets
PlayerJunior side
Mitch BlackKnights Jersey Flegg Cup
Jack CameronKnights Jersey Flegg Cup
Zac HoskingKnights Canterbury Cup NSW
Dylan LucasKnights Jersey Flegg Cup
Toby MarksKnights Jersey Flegg Cup
Brandon RussellKnights Jersey Flegg Cup
Bayden SearleKnights Jersey Flegg Cup

Change of role
Player/CoachNew role
Scott Dureau (Jersey Flegg Cup coach)Knights junior development
Tony Gleeson (Knights JFC assistant coach)Knights Jersey Flegg Cup coach
Rory Kostjasyn (Canterbury Cup NSW coach)Knights development coach

Re-signings
Player/CoachRe-signed to
Mitchell Barnett2023
Blake Green2021
Hymel Hunt2021
Brodie Jones2021
Josh King2021
Christian Ma'anaima2023
Jirah Momoisea2022
Kalyn Ponga2024
Chris Randall2021
Daniel Saifiti2022
Jacob Saifiti2022
Simi Sasagi2022
Pasami Saulo2022
Enari Tuala2021
Connor Watson2021

Player contract situations
2020 (leaving)2020 (off-contract)2021202220232024
Herman Ese'ese[4]Mitch Black[5]Phoenix Crossland[6]Bradman Best[6]Mitchell Barnett[7]Kalyn Ponga[8]
Beau Fermor[9]Jack Cameron[10]Lachlan Fitzgibbon[11]Jayden Brailey[12]David Klemmer[13]
Tim Glasby[14]Matt Cooper[5]Blake Green[15]Jirah Momoisea[16]
Aidan Guerra[17]Mat Croker[18]Tex Hoy[19]Daniel Saifiti[20]
Danny Levi[21]Zac Hosking[22]Hymel Hunt[23]Jacob Saifiti[24]
Mason Lino[25]Luke Huth[18]Brodie Jones[26]Simi Sasagi[26]
Toby Marks[27]Matt Soper-Lawler[28]Josh King[29]Pasami Saulo[30]
Sione Mata'utia[31]Edrick Lee[32]Gehamat Shibasaki[33]
Andrew McCullough[34]Dylan Lucas[35]
Tautau Moga[36]Kurt Mann[37]
Tyronne Roberts-Davis[38]Mitchell Pearce[39]
Brandon Russell[10]Chris Randall[40]
Bayden Searle[41]Starford To'a[42]
Enari Tuala[43]
Connor Watson[44]

Ladder
Pos Team Pld W D L B PF PA PD Pts
1 Penrith Panthers 2018110537238+29937
2 Melbourne Storm 2016040534276+25832
3 Parramatta Eels 2015050392288+10430
4 Sydney Roosters 2014060552322+23028
5 Canberra Raiders 2014060445317+12828
6 South Sydney Rabbitohs 2012080521352+16924
7 Newcastle Knights 2011180421374+4723
8 Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks 20100100480480020
9 Gold Coast Titans 2090110346463−11718
10 New Zealand Warriors 2080120343458−11516
11 Wests Tigers 2070130440505−6514
12 St. George Illawarra Dragons 2070130378452−7414
13 Manly Warringah Sea Eagles 2070130375509−13414
14 North Queensland Cowboys 2050150368520−15210
15 Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs 2030170282504−2226
16 Brisbane Broncos 2030170268624−3566

Milestones

Jerseys and sponsors

In 2020, the Knights' jerseys were made by O'Neills and their major sponsor was nib Health Funds.

2020 Home Jersey2020 Away Jersey2020 Indigenous Jersey2020 NSW Mining Jersey

Fixtures

NRL Nines
Main article: 2020 NRL Nines

Squad: 1. Kurt Gidley 2. Jirah Momoisea 3. Hymel Hunt 4. Brodie Jones 5. Gehamat Shibasaki 6. Aidan Guerra (c) 7. Starford To'a 8. Jacob Saifiti 9. Pasami Saulo 10. Kurt Mann (c) 11. Tyronne Roberts-Davis 12. Mason Lino 13. Sione Mata'utia 14. Mitchell Barnett 15. Bayden Searle 16. Tex Hoy 17. Simi Sasagi 18. Matt Soper-Lawler

Date Round Opponent Venue Score Tries Drop Goal Conversions Attendance
Friday, 14 FebruaryRound 1 New Zealand WarriorsHBF Park34–0M.Lino, S.Mata'utia, T.Hoy, M.Soper-LawlerM.Lino (4/4)
Saturday, 15 FebruaryRound 2 Penrith PanthersHBF Park16–3S.Sasagi, J.Saifiti, T.HoyM.Lino (2/3)
Saturday, 15 FebruaryQuarter Finals Parramatta EelsHBF Park7–14T.HoyT.Roberts-Davis (1/1)
Legend:   Win   Loss   Draw

Pre-season Trials
Date Opponent Venue Score Tries Conversions Attendance
Saturday, 22 February St. George Illawarra DragonsMaitland Sportsground12–38C.Randall, L.HuthM.Lino (1) T.Hoy (1)
Saturday, 29 February Sydney RoostersCentral Coast Stadium58–0M.Barnett, J.Brailey, K.Ponga, G.Shibasaki, H.Hunt, L.Fitzgibbon, C.Watson, S.Sasagi, T.Hoy, M.BarnettK.Ponga (3), M.Lino (6)
Legend:   Win   Loss   Draw

Regular season
Main article: 2020 NRL season
Date Round Opponent Venue Score Tries Conversions/Penalty Attendance
Saturday 14 MarchRound 1 New Zealand WarriorsMcdonald Jones Stadium20–0D.Saifiti, E.Lee, K.PongaK.Ponga (4/5)10,239
Sunday 22 MarchRound 2 Wests TigersLeichhardt Oval42–24E.Tuala (2), M.Barnett, K.Mann, E.Lee, K.Ponga, M.Pearce, C.WatsonK.Ponga (5/9)0 (closed event)
Saturday 28 MarchRound 3 (Suspended)** Cronulla SharksNetstrata Jubilee StadiumSuspended
Friday 3 AprilRound 4 (Suspended)** North Queensland CowboysMcdonald Jones StadiumSuspended
Thursday 9 AprilRound 5 (Suspended)** Manly Sea EaglesLottolandSuspended
Saturday 18 AprilRound 6 (Suspended)** Canberra RaidersMcDonalds Park, Wagga Wagga GIO Stadium*Suspended
Sunday 26 AprilRound 7 (Suspended)** Penrith PanthersMcdonald Jones StadiumSuspended
Saturday 2 MayRound 8 (Suspended)** South Sydney RabbitohsSuncorp StadiumSuspended
Saturday 9 MayRound 9 (Suspended)** St. George Illawarra DragonsMcdonald Jones StadiumSuspended
Thursday 14 MayRound 10 (Suspended)** Sydney RoostersSydney Cricket GroundSuspended
Sunday 24 MayRound 11 (Suspended)** Cronulla SharksMcdonald Jones StadiumSuspended
Saturday 30 MayRound 12 (Suspended)** South Sydney RabbitohsMcdonald Jones StadiumSuspended
Sunday 7 JuneRound 13 (Suspended)** Penrith PanthersPanthers StadiumSuspended
Saturday 13 JuneRound 14 (Suspended)** Melbourne StormMcdonald Jones StadiumSuspended
Sunday 28 JuneRound 15 (Suspended)** Gold Coast TitansMcdonald Jones StadiumSuspended
Round 16 (Suspended)**Bye
Sunday 12 JulyRound 17 (Suspended)** North Queensland CowboysQueensland Country Bank StadiumSuspended
Sunday 19 JulyRound 18 (Suspended)** Brisbane BroncosMcdonald Jones StadiumSuspended
Sunday 26 JulyRound 19 (Suspended)** Wests TigersMcdonald Jones StadiumSuspended
Saturday 1 AugustRound 20 (Suspended)** Canterbury Bankstown BulldogsBankwest StadiumSuspended
Sunday 9 AugustRound 21 (Suspended)** New Zealand WarriorsMt Smart StadiumSuspended
Saturday 15 AugustRound 22 (Suspended)** Manly Sea EaglesMcdonald Jones StadiumSuspended
Saturday 22 AugustRound 23 (Suspended)** Brisbane BroncosSuncorp StadiumSuspended
Friday 28 AugustRound 24 (Suspended)** Parramatta EelsBankwest StadiumSuspended
Sunday 6 SeptemberRound 25 (Suspended)** Canterbury Bankstown BulldogsMcdonald Jones StadiumSuspended
Legend:   Win   Loss   Draw   Suspended
  • From Round 2 the NRL announced matches would be played behind closed doors until further notice due to the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) situation[45]
  • * Match relocated to Canberra due to the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) situation[46]
  • ** Season suspended from Round 3 until further notice due to the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) situation[47]


Updated Regular Season - 21 May 2020

[48]

Date Round Opponent Venue Score Tries Conversions/Penalty Attendance
Saturday 14 MarchRound 1 New Zealand WarriorsMcdonald Jones Stadium20–0D.Saifiti, E.Lee, K.PongaK.Ponga (4/5)10,239
Sunday 22 MarchRound 2 Wests TigersLeichhardt Oval42–24E.Tuala (2), M.Barnett, K.Mann, E.Lee, K.Ponga, M.Pearce, C.WatsonK.Ponga (5/9)0 (closed event)
-----Season Suspended due to COVID-19 Pandemic--
Sunday 31 MayRound 3 Penrith PanthersCampbelltown Stadium14–14J.Saifiti, B.Best (2)T.Hoy (1/3)0 (closed event)
Sunday 7 JuneRound 4 Canberra RaidersCampbelltown Stadium34–18B.Best (2), K.Ponga, E.Lee (2), E.TualaK.Ponga (4/5), T.Hoy (1/1)0 (closed event)
Saturday 13 JuneRound 5 Melbourne StormCentral Coast Stadium12–26B.Best, E.LeeK.Ponga (2/3)Not Counted
Thursday 18 JuneRound 6 Brisbane BroncosCentral Coast Stadium27–6K.Mann, H.Hunt, D.Saifiti, M.PearceK.Ponga (5/5), M.Pearce (1/1 Field Goal)167 *Restricted Capacity
Saturday 27 JuneRound 7 North Queensland CowboysQueensland Country Bank Stadium32–20T.Hoy, H.Hunt, K.Mann, G.ShibasakiK.Ponga (2/4)1,853 *Restricted Capacity
Sunday 5 JulyRound 8 Manly Sea EaglesCentral Coast Stadium Lottoland14–12A.McCullough, K.MannK.Ponga (3/3)2,271 *Restricted Capacity
Sunday 12 JulyRound 9 Parramatta EelsCentral Coast Stadium Mcdonald Jones Stadium10–3A.McCulloughK.Ponga (0/1)6,980 *Restricted Capacity
Saturday 18 JulyRound 10 South Sydney RabbitohsBankwest Stadium20–18E.Tuala, K.Mann, K.Ponga, B.BestK.Ponga (2/5)4,249 *Restricted Capacity
Sunday 26 JulyRound 11 Canterbury Bankstown BulldogsMcdonald Jones Stadium12–18H.Hunt, S.Mata'utiaK.Ponga (2/2)3,521 *Restricted Capacity
Sunday 2 AugustRound 12 Melbourne StormSuncorp Stadium Sunshine Coast Stadium16–26B.Best, A.Guerra, E.TualaK.Ponga (2/3)5,437 *Restricted Capacity
Saturday 8 AugustRound 13 Wests TigersMcdonald Jones Stadium44–3K.Ponga (2), H.Hunt, S.To'a, J.Saifiti, H.Ese'ese, G.Shibasaki, P.CrosslandK.Ponga (6/9)2,952* Restricted Capacity
Sunday 16 AugustRound 14 Manly Sea EaglesMcdonald Jones Stadium26–24S.To'a, K.Mann, E.Tuala (2), H.HuntK.Ponga (3/5)* Restricted Capacity
Sunday 23 AugustRound 15 North Queensland CowboysMcdonald Jones Stadium12–0H.Hunt, E.TualaK.Ponga (2/5)5,304* Restricted Capacity
Saturday 29 AugustRound 16 New Zealand WarriorsScully Park36–6G.ShibasakiK.Ponga (1/1)* Restricted Capacity
Friday 4 SeptemberRound 17 Cronulla SharksMcdonald Jones Stadium38–10S.To'a (2), K.Ponga (3), L.Fitzgibbon, J.KingK.Ponga (0/2), M.Lino (5/6)5,597* Restricted Capacity
Saturday 12 SeptemberRound 18 Sydney RoostersSydney Cricket Ground42–12E.Tuala, G.ShibasakiM.Lino (2/2)* Restricted Capacity
Sunday 20 SeptemberRound 19 St. George Illawarra DragonsMcdonald Jones Stadium42–18K.Ponga, G.Shibasaki, A.Guerra, D.Saifiti, E.Tuala (2), J.SaifitiM.Lino (2/2)6,659* Restricted Capacity
Friday 25 SeptemberRound 20 Gold Coast TitansCbus Super Stadium36–6E.LeeM.Lino (1/1)9,877* Restricted Capacity
Legend:   Win   Loss   Draw

Finals series
Main article: 2020 NRL Finals Series
Home Score Away Match Information
Date and Time (Local) Venue Referees Crowd
QUALIFYING & ELIMINATION FINALS
South Sydney Rabbitohs 46–20 Newcastle Knights 4 October 2020, 4:05 pm ANZ Stadium B.Cummins 17,212* Restricted Capacity



  Qualifying / Elimination finals Semi-finals Preliminary finals Grand final
                                   
  QF1: 2 Oct, Panthers Stadium  
1   Penrith 29  
4   Sydney 28     SF1: 9 Oct, Sydney Cricket Ground  
      Sydney 18    
EF1: 3 Oct, GIO Stadium Canberra       Canberra 22       PF1: 17 Oct, ANZ Stadium
5   Canberra 32         Penrith 20  
8   Cronulla-Sutherland 20           South Sydney 16     GF: 25 Oct, ANZ Stadium
          Penrith 20
  EF2: 4 Oct, ANZ Stadium       PF2: 16 Oct, Suncorp Stadium       Melbourne 26
6   South Sydney 46           Melbourne 30  
7   Newcastle 20     SF2: 10 Oct, Bankwest Stadium         Canberra 10  
      Parramatta 24    
QF2: 3 Oct, Suncorp Stadium       South Sydney 38    
2   Melbourne 36  
3   Parramatta 24  

Statistics
NameAppearancesTriesGoalsField GoalsPointsCaptainAge
Mitchell Barnett131004026
Bradman Best1180032019
Jayden Brailey20000024
Phoenix Crossland61004020
Herman Ese'ese211004026
Lachlan Fitzgibbon171004026
Tim Glasby70000031
Blake Green30000034
Aidan Guerra2121010032
Tex Hoy91208021
Hymel Hunt2080032027
Brodie Jones70000022
Josh King71004025
David Klemmer210000027
Edrick Lee1160024028
Mason Lino5015030026
Kurt Mann2060024027
Sione Mata'utia121004024
Andrew McCullough82008030
Tautau Moga40000027
Mitchell Pearce2120192131
Kalyn Ponga1910460132022
Chris Randall70000025
Daniel Saifiti1430012024
Jacob Saifiti2130012024
Pasami Saulo70000022
Gehamat Shibasaki1150020022
Starford To'a740016020
Enari Tuala20110044022
Connor Watson51004024
Totals2178641441–Average: 25

30 players used.

Source:[49]

Representative honours
See also: List of Newcastle Knights representatives

The following players appeared in a representative match or were named in a representative squad in 2020.

Indigenous All Stars

Māori All Stars

New South Wales extended 64-man squad

New South Wales

Queensland

Individual honours

Newcastle Knights awards

References
  1. "NRL announces suspension of 2020 season due to coronavirus pandemic". ABC News. March 23, 2020.
  2. "Back on deck: Players set to train when details land next week". National Rugby League. May 1, 2020.
  3. "LIVE NRL: Penrith Panthers vs Newcastle Knights: Round 3 blog, Scores, Updates, Supercoach, video". May 31, 2020.
  4. "HERMAN HEADED TO THE TITANS". Gold Coast Titans. July 13, 2020.
  5. "Knights v Dragons NRL Maitland trial team list". Newcastle Knights. February 19, 2020.
  6. "Knights re-sign three bright prospects". Newcastle Knights. 2 November 2018. Retrieved 22 December 2018.
  7. "Mitch Barnett extends NRL contract". Newcastle Knights. December 18, 2019.
  8. "Kalyn Ponga secures Knights NRL future". Newcastle Knights. June 16, 2020.
  9. TOOHEY, BARRY (January 28, 2020). "Boom Knights backrower quits club to link with Gold Coast Titans". Newcastle Herald.
  10. "20s guns and ex-Titan! Pre-season additions confirmed". Newcastle Knights. November 12, 2019.
  11. "Knights re-sign FItzgibbon". Zero Tackle. 5 November 2018. Retrieved 6 November 2018.
  12. "Jayden Brailey to join Knights in 2020". Newcastle Knights. 31 July 2019.
  13. "Knights secure Origin and Test enforcer Klemmer". 26 November 2018. Retrieved 26 November 2018.
  14. "Glasby retires: Epitome of hard worker hangs up boots". National Rugby League. September 20, 2020.
  15. "Green remains a Knight in 2021". Newcastle Knights. November 9, 2020.
  16. "Promising youngster Momoisea extends NRL deal". Newcastle Knights. January 28, 2020.
  17. "Guerra retires: Knights veteran hanging up boots at season's end". National Rugby League. September 10, 2020.
  18. "Young Knights building pathways". 23 November 2017. Retrieved 6 November 2018.
  19. "Tex Hoy promoted to Knights Top 30 NRL squad". Newcastle Knights. February 29, 2020.
  20. "NSW Origin prop Daniel Saifiti inks new deal". Newcastle Knights. November 11, 2019.
  21. "Danny Levi granted release from NRL contract". Newcastle Knights. January 21, 2020.
  22. "NRL Newcastle Knights 2020 pre-season train and trial and extended squad". Newcastle Knights. November 12, 2019.
  23. "Hymel Hunt inks new Knights deal". Newcastle Knights. November 4, 2019.
  24. "Jacob Saifiti re-signs with Knights". Newcastle Knights. July 21, 2020.
  25. Toohey, Barry (24 November 2020). "Ex-Knight Mason Lino signs with Wakefield in English Super League". Newcastle Herald.
  26. "2021 Signings Tracker: Mata'utia off to Saints; Montoya joins Warriors". National Rugby League. November 11, 2020.
  27. "Jersey Flegg Training Squad". Canberra Raiders. November 13, 2020.
  28. Toohey, Barry (October 23, 2019). "Prolific try-scorer chasing a second coming at the Knights". Newcastle Herald.
  29. "Josh King signs new Knights deal". Newcastle Knights. November 18, 2020.
  30. "Forward Saulo extends NRL contract". Newcastle Knights. January 29, 2020.
  31. "Sione Mata'utia granted immediate release". Newcastle Knights. November 11, 2020.
  32. "Knights add Lee". Zero Tackle. 25 June 2018. Retrieved 6 October 2018.
  33. "Gehamat Shibasaki signs with Newcastle Knights". Newcastle Knights. December 5, 2019.
  34. "Blake Green joins Knights effective immediately". Newcastle Knights. August 4, 2020.
  35. Callinan, Josh (December 3, 2020). "Former Newcastle Knights forward Matt Kennedy to coach Souths in 2021". Newcastle Herald.
  36. DILLON, ROBERT (November 3, 2020). "O'Brien hopes Moga rebounds with Rabbits after release from Knights". Newcastle Herald.
  37. Moorhead, Joseph (9 December 2018). "Knights slay the Dragons in Kurt Mann poaching". Retrieved 10 December 2018.
  38. https://www.weststigers.com.au/news/2021/01/10/first-photos-of-jimmy-the-jet/
  39. "Newcastle Knights sign Mitchell Pearce". Zero Tackle. 30 November 2017. Retrieved 9 March 2018.
  40. Toohey, Barry (November 21, 2020). "TOOHEY'S NEWS: New Knights teenage signing earns Ponga comparison". Newcastle Herald.
  41. Callinan, Josh (January 1, 2021). "Newcastle Rugby League: Bayden Searle signs with Macquarie Scorpions for 2021". Newcastle Herald.
  42. "Exciting back Starford To'a awarded new deal". Newcastle Knights. 24 June 2019. Retrieved 25 June 2019.
  43. "Enari Tuala re-signs with Newcastle Knights". Newcastle Knights. March 2, 2020.
  44. "Connor Watson re-signs with the Knights". Newcastle Knights. October 16, 2020.
  45. "NRL measures for 2020 season". National Rugby League. March 13, 2020.
  46. "Wagga Wagga match moved back to Canberra". Canberra Raiders. March 17, 2020.
  47. "NRL suspends competition due to coronavirus pandemic". National Rugby League. March 23, 2020.
  48. "NRL Telstra Premiership draw". National Rugby League. May 21, 2020.
  49. "NRL 2020 - Newcastle Knights". Rugby League Project. Retrieved 16 March 2019.
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