Newcastle great and current Knights coaching consultant Andrew Johns is backing Adam O’Brien’s side to play finals again in 2022.
The Knights have returned to finals in the last two seasons after being in the wilderness prior to that, with star fullback Kalyn Ponga turning the side into a dangerous proposition and potential contender.
Ponga, 23, is widely considered as one of the NRL’s best players but after viewing him up close as a coach, Johns thinks the “mind-blowing” star could take his game to another level in 2022.
“If Kalyn Ponga stays on the field – just watching him at training – it’s mind-blowing the talent,” Johns said on SENZ Breakfast.
“I think he’s got a lot of improvement in him, so hopefully we see that (in 2022) if he plays a lot of games.”
Along with Ponga, Johns believes the Knights’ impressive forward pack will help formulate a side that locks in a finals position.
“I’ve got no doubt it’s a top eight roster, they’ve got a really strong forward pack,” Johns explained.
“They’ve got some really big boppers and some really aggressive front-rowers.
“If they get some good luck with injuries, I think they’re a top-eight team.”
The Knights finished seventh in 2021, bowing out in a tight elimination final clash against the Parramatta Eels.