The 2016 Newcastle Knights season was the 29th in the club's history. Coached by Nathan Brown and co-captained by Trent Hodkinson, Tariq Sims and Jeremy Smith, they competed in the NRL's 2016 Telstra Premiership, finishing the regular season in 16th place (out of 16). In the pre-season the Knights competed in the 2016 Auckland Nines tournament, reaching the quarter-finals. Mid-way through the 2016 season the team had only one member selected to play in the 2016 State of Origin series. Notably, all four Mata'utia brothers, Chanel, Pat, Peter and Sione featured in the NRL team for the Knights throughout the year.
Milestones Round 1: David Bhana made his NRL debut for the club. Round 1: Jaelen Feeney made his NRL debut for the club. Round 1: Trent Hodkinson made his debut for the club, after previously playing for the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs, captained his 1st game for the club and kicked his 1st goal for the club. Round 1: Pat Mata'utia made his NRL debut for the club and scored his 1st career try. Round 1: Pauli Pauli made his debut for the club, after previously playing for the Parramatta Eels. Round 1: Daniel Saifiti made his NRL debut for the club and scored his 1st career try. Round 1: Jacob Saifiti made his NRL debut for the club. Round 1: Jeremy Smith captained his 1st game for the club. Round 3: Cory Denniss made his NRL debut for the club and scored his 1st career try. Round 3: Sam Mataora scored his 1st try for the club. Round 3: Jarrod Mullen played his 200th game for the club, which was also his 200th career game. Round 3: Mickey Paea made his debut for the club, after previously playing for Hull FC. Round 5: Jacob Saifiti scored his 1st career try. Round 6: The Knights won their 200th game at Hunter Stadium. Round 6: Will Pearsall made his NRL debut for the club. Round 6: Tariq Sims captained his 1st game for the club. Round 7: Josh King made his NRL debut for the club. Round 7: Jack Stockwell played his 50th career game. Round 8: Sam Mataora played his 50th career game. Round 8: Jeremy Smith played his 200th career game. Round 9: Brock Lamb made his NRL debut for the club. Round 10: Jack Cogger made his NRL debut for the club. Round 11: Dane Gagai played his 100th career game. Round 11: Trent Hodkinson scored his 1st try for the club. Round 12: Pauli Pauli scored his 1st try for the club. Round 13: Lachlan Fitzgibbon scored his 1st career try. Round 14: Mitchell Barnett made his debut for the club, after previously playing for the Canberra Raiders. Round 14: Brendan Elliot made his debut for the club, after previously playing for the Sydney Roosters, and scored his 1st try for the club. Round 16: Mitchell Barnett scored his 1st career try. Round 16: Trent Hodkinson scored his 500th career point. Round 17: Trent Hodkinson kicked his 1st field goal for the club. Round 21: David Bhana scored his 1st career try. Round 21: Dane Gagai played his 100th game for the club. Round 22: The Knights lost their 14th game in a row, breaking their 2005 season record of 13 losses in a row. Round 24: Peter Mata'utia played his 50th career game. Round 25: Dylan Phythian made his NRL debut for the club and scored his 1st career try. Round 25: Jeremy Smith kicked his 1st goal for the club.
Squad
Transfers and Re-signings Gains Player Previous club LengthChris AdamsLakes United2016Uiti BakerManly Warringah Sea Eagles2016Mitchell BarnettCanberra Raiders2017David BhanaNew Zealand Warriors2017Nathan Brown (head coach)Melbourne Storm2018Brendan ElliotSydney Roosters2017Krys FreemanNorths Devils2016Trent HodkinsonCanterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs2018Todd Lowrie (NYC coach)Brisbane Broncos2016Peter Mata'utiaSt. George Illawarra Dragons2017Mickey PaeaHull F.C.2017Pauli PauliParramatta Eels2017Will PearsallManly Warringah Sea Eagles2017Michael Potter (assistant coach)Fiji under-20s team2016Tekina VaileaIllawarra Cutters2016
Losses Player ClubAdam ClydsdaleCanberra RaidersDavid Fa'alogoIpswich JetsMarvin FilipoCessnock GoannasJake FinnWestern Suburbs RosellasKurt GidleyWarrington WolvesKerrod HollandCanterbury-Bankstown BulldogsChris HoustonWidnes VikingsSam KeenanWestern Suburbs RosellasJoseph LeiluaCanberra RaidersJames McManusRetirementClint NewtonRetirementJah PakauReleasedPride Petterson-RobatiCasey WarriorsChad RedmanGold Coast TitansTyrone RobertsGold Coast TitansCraig Sandercock (assistant coach)Wests TigersBeau ScottParramatta EelsDamian SironenIllawarra CuttersRick Stone (head coach)Contract terminatedTuiala TogiatasiTweed Heads SeagullsHoneti TuhaParramatta EelsCarlos TuimavaveHull F.C.Noel UnderwoodTownsville BlackhawksPaterika VaivaiBurleigh Bears
Promoted juniors Player Junior sideCory DennissKnights National Youth CompetitionTama KoopuKnights New South Wales CupBraden RobsonKnights National Youth CompetitionDaniel SaifitiKnights National Youth CompetitionJacob SaifitiKnights National Youth CompetitionBradie SmithKnights National Youth CompetitionKen TofilauKnights National Youth Competition
Change of role Player/Coach New roleDanny Buderus (interim head coach)Knights assistant coachJames EliasKnights second-tier squadJacob GagaiKnights second-tier squadTroy Pezet (NYC coach)Knights Elite Pathways Recruitment ManagerMichael SteeleKnights second-tier squad
Re-signings Player/Coach Re-signed toJosh King2018Brock Lamb2018Dylan Phythian2017Nathan Ross2018Daniel Saifiti2018Jacob Saifiti2018
Player contract situations 2016 (left)20172018Chris AdamsMitchell BarnettJack CoggerUiti BakerDavid BhanaTrent HodkinsonBryce DonovanCory DennissJosh KingKrys FreemanBrendan ElliotBrock LambTama KoopuJaelen FeeneyDanny LeviTodd LowrieLachlan FitzgibbonChanel Mata'utiaRobbie RochowDane GagaiPat Mata'utiaTariq SimsJake MamoSione Mata'utiaJeremy SmithSam MataoraJarrod MullenKade SnowdenPeter Mata'utiaNathan RossJoseph TapineMickey PaeaDaniel SaifitiJames TaylorPauli PauliJacob SaifitiKen TofilauWill PearsallAkuila UateDylan PhythianTekina VaileaTyler RandellBraden RobsonKorbin SimsBradie SmithJack StockwellLuke Yates
Ladder
Jerseys and sponsors In 2016, the Knights' jerseys were made by ISC and their major sponsor was Newpave Asphalt.
2016 Home Jersey2016 Away Jersey2016 ANZAC Jersey2016 NSW Mining Jersey
Fixtures
Auckland Nines
Squad: 1. Jake Mamo 2. Nathan Ross 3. Jaelen Feeney 4. Akuila Uate 6. Brock Lamb 7. Will Pearsall 8. Pauli Pauli 9. Tyler Randell (c) 10. Daniel Saifiti 11. Korbin Sims 12. Robbie Rochow (c) 13. Jacob Saifiti 14. Sione Mata'utia 15. Joseph Tapine 16. Tariq Sims (c) 17. Chanel Mata'utia 18. Danny Levi 19. Pat Mata'utia
Date Round Opponent Venue Score Tries Drop Goal Conversions AttendanceSaturday, 6 FebruaryAuckland Nines Game 3 North Queensland CowboysEden Park12-28B.Lamb, D.LeviB.Lamb (2/2)Saturday, 6 FebruaryAuckland Nines Game 11 Penrith PanthersEden Park15-14J.Mamo (2), C.Mata'utiaD.Levi (1/3)Sunday, 7 FebruaryAuckland Nines Game 19 Wests TigersEden Park21-16D.Levi, R.Rochow, A.Uate, J.MamoB.Lamb (2/4)Sunday, 7 FebruaryAuckland Nines Quarter-Final 1 Parramatta EelsEden Park8-12J.Mamo, J.FeeneyB.Lamb (0/2) Legend:
Pre-season trials Date Round Opponent Venue Score Tries Goals AttendanceSaturday, 20 FebruaryTrial 1 Canberra RaidersWade Park28 – 34J.Feeney, L.Fitzgibbon, A.Uate, C.Mata'utia, B.LambT.Hodkinson (3/3), T.Randell (0/1), B.Lamb (1/1) Legend:
Regular season
Source: FG – Field Goal GP – Golden Point extra time
Date Round Opponent Venue Result Score Tries Goals/Field Goals Attendance3 March1 Gold Coast Titans Cbus Super Stadium, RobinaLost12-30Pat Mata'utia, Daniel SaifitiTrent Hodkinson (2/2)8,31312 March2 South Sydney Rabbitohs ANZ Stadium, SydneyLost6-48Nathan RossTrent Hodkinson (1/1)13,36419 March3 Canberra Raiders Hunter Stadium, NewcastleDraw24-24 (GP)Cory Denniss 2, Pat Mata'utia, Sam MataoraTrent Hodkinson (4/4)13,74528 March4 New Zealand WarriorsMt. Smart Stadium, AucklandLost18-40Sam Mataora, Dane Gagai, Nathan RossTrent Hodkinson (3/3)13,895 2 April5 Melbourne Storm AAMI Park, MelbourneLost14-18Jacob Saifiti, Korbin SimsTrent Hodkinson (3/3)11,443 10 April6 Wests Tigers Hunter Stadium, NewcastleWon18-16Akuila Uate, Korbin Sims, Nathan RossTrent Hodkinson (3/3)21,65316 April7 Brisbane BroncosSuncorp Stadium, BrisbaneLost0-5330,39425 April8 Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles Hunter Stadium, NewcastleLost10-26Tyler Randell, Nathan RossTrent Hodkinson (1/2)19,07230 April9 Sydney Roosters Allianz Stadium, SydneyLost0-389,50215 May10 Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks Hunter Stadium, NewcastleLost0-6216,15021 May11 Wests Tigers Campbelltown Stadium, CampbelltownLost12-20Trent Hodkinson, Dane GagaiTrent Hodkinson (2/2)8,65830 May12 Parramatta Eels Hunter Stadium, NewcastleLost18-20Sione Mata'utia, Pauli Pauli, Nathan RossTrent Hodkinson (3/5)12,8564 June13 North Queensland Cowboys 1300SMILES Stadium, TownsvilleLost16-46Cory Denniss, Jake Mamo, Lachlan FitzgibbonTrent Hodkinson (2/3)14,651 11 June14 New Zealand WarriorsHunter Stadium, NewcastleLost14-50Sione Mata'utia, Brendan ElliotTrent Hodkinson (3/3)12,22216-20 June15Bye25 June16 St. George Illawarra Dragons Hunter Stadium, NewcastleLost18-30Mitchell Barnett, Sione Mata'utia, Nathan RossTrent Hodkinson (3/3)13,7773 July17 Canberra RaidersGIO Stadium, CanberraLost25-29 (GP)Sione Mata'utia, Korbin Sims, Jake Mamo, Peter Mata'utiaTrent Hodkinson (4/5) (1FG)9,7317-11 July18Bye17 July19 Melbourne Storm Hunter Stadium, NewcastleLost16-20Jake Mamo 2, Brendan ElliotTrent Hodkinson (2/3)10,74824 July20 Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks Southern Cross Group Stadium, CronullaLost4-36Nathan RossTrent Hodkinson (0/1)16,88231 July21 Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles Brookvale Oval, ManlyLost16-36Peter Mata'utia, David Bhana, Brendan ElliotTrent Hodkinson (2/3)11,2226 August22 Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs Hunter Stadium, NewcastleLost14-28Brendan Elliot 2Trent Hodkinson (3/3)13,31814 August23 Penrith Panthers Hunter Stadium, NewcastleLost6-42Brendan ElliotTrent Hodkinson (1/1)13,77120 August24 Gold Coast Titans Hunter Stadium, NewcastleLost6-26Nathan RossTrent Hodkinson (1/1)10,96028 August25 South Sydney Rabbitohs Hunter Stadium, NewcastleLost12-34Dylan Phythian, Jake MamoTrent Hodkinson (1/1), Jeremy Smith (1/1)15,2123 September26 St. George Illawarra Dragons Jubilee Oval, KogarahLost26-28Mitchell Barnett, Dane Gagai, Peter Mata'utia, Nathan Ross, Jacob SaifitiTrent Hodkinson (3/5)8,726 Legend:
Statistics NameAppearancesTriesGoalsField goalsPointsCaptainAge500000309200802271004023600000197300120191160024022500000225100402222300120252314719923281200000213000001918000002113500200222020080261000002414200802311300120261640016020140000029150000030151004022300000212100402118100402480000026199003602820100402018200802022300120248000082621010221361000003060000024101004029 Totals 24 52 48 1 305 - Average: 24
35 players used.
Source:
Representative honours
The following players appeared in a representative match in 2016.
Australian Schoolboys Brodie Jones Pasami Saulo
Fiji Michael Potter (coach) Daniel Saifiti Korbin Sims Akuila Uate
Indigenous All Stars Dane Gagai
Junior Kiwis Ken Tofilau
Malta Ben Stone Sam Stone
New South Wales Country Tariq Sims
New South Wales Residents Matt Lantry (assistant coach)
New South Wales under-16s Tom Baker Phoenix Crossland Brock Gardner Jock Madden
New South Wales under-18s Brodie Jones Pasami Saulo Tom Starling
New South Wales under-20s Jack Cogger Cory Denniss
New Zealand Danny Levi (19th man)
Tonga Mickey Paea (18th man)
World All Stars Trent Hodkinson (squad member) Jeremy Smith
Individual honours
Teams and squads Emerging Blues Camp Tariq Sims
New South Wales Under-20s Origin Pathways Camp Jack Cogger
Queensland Academy of Sport Emerging Origin Squad Korbin Sims
Newcastle Knights awards
Player of the Year National Rugby League (NRL) Player of the Year: Dane Gagai Intrust Super Premiership NSW Player of the Year: Luke Yates National Youth Competition (NYC) Player of the Year: Nick Meaney
Players' Player