A lack of continuity in the halves has been viewed as a key driver of the Knights’ struggles this season, with some labelling it a game of selection “musical chairs.”

Knights coach Adam O’Brien has named his fifth halves pairing of the season against the Panthers, with Phoenix Crossland donning the No.7 and Tyson Gamble the No.6.

Speaking on Wednesday night’s NRL 360, Fox League’s Braith Anasta described the constant halves rotation at the Knights as a “serious issue.”

Given the halves are such a crucial position both offensively and defensively in rugby league, fellow panellist Gorden Tallis explained the impact of Newcastle constantly chopping and changing their five-eighth and halfback.

“How do you get your continuity? How do you get your teammates knowing how you play?” he asked.

“Sometimes it can take a while to get that cohesion. You’ve got to work. And just understand when you’re tired, fatigued, especially defensively.

“It’s strange.”

During Newcastle’s run to the 2023 finals their halves were extremely settled. Jackson Hastings was their halfback with Tyson Gamble wearing the No.6.

However, fitness has evaded Gamble this season, while Hastings has been far from his best in 2024, and is reportedly on the move to the Super League as a result.

This season, the pair have played together just seven times, winning on three occasions – against the Dolphins, Warriors and Tigers.

While Gamble has been out, Jack Cogger, signed from the Penrith Panthers, where he played a crucial role in the club’s third consecutive premiership win in 2023, has been named alongside Hastings.