IT’S been three years at the bottom for NRL battlers Newcastle and their hardy Hunter fans.

But you can put the mortgage on the Knights avoiding a fourth wooden spoon in as many years.

Nathan Brown and his team of canny rugby league gurus have ensured that with a monster recruitment drive that’s netted the likes of Mitchell Pearce, Kalyn Ponga, Connor Watson, and Aidan Guerra.

The team of 17 that runs out in red and blue in round one will be almost unrecognisable to the one that finished 2017 in last place on the ladder.

Round 19

And the buzz around Newcastle brings whispers of a finals berth.

Here’s how we think they will line up.

Knights coach Nathan Brown speaks to Mitchell Pearce and Aidan Guerra. Source: News Corp Australia

Over the next month, foxsports.com.au will be previewing your team’s best 17.

As always, there will be some contentious decisions — and some unlucky omissions.

Scroll down and leave a comment to have your say.

NB: These line ups don’t take into account current injuries (unless they’re season ending) or suspensions.

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THE LOCK

Mitchell Pearce

Forget about his Origin record. Mitchell Pearce is one of the game’s elite halfbacks at club level.

Three minor premierships and one premiership in his time at the Roosters can attest to that.

Now he moves to the Hunter with a clean slate. Make no mistake, this is now Mitchell Pearce’s team.

Nathan Brown will structure the 2018 Knights around the NSW halfback and it’s up to Pearce to grab the opportunity with both hands.

He holds the key to Newcastle’s fortunes this year.

Newcastle Knights recruit Mitchell Pearce. Source: AAP

THE BUBBLE

Brock Lamb

Just a couple of months ago Lamb was to be the man in charge of the 2018 Knights side.

Now he probably won’t even be on the teamsheet come round one.

That’s thanks to the arrival of Pearce and his fellow former Rooster Connor Watson, who Nathan Brown has confirmed will get first crack at the five-eighth role.

Lamb played 21 games for the club last year — the majority at starting five-eighth — but now finds himself as the team’s third choice playmaker.

Of course, if the Watson experiment fails Lamb will be next cab off the rank, and the former will be pushed to a bench role.

Lamb will have his opportunity at some stage during the season but will have to bide his time in reserve grade until then.

Don’t fret. It’s not the last we’ve seen of this young talent.

Brock Lamb of the Knights in action. Source: AAP

THE RISING STAR

Kalyn Ponga

Rugby league fans have been waiting for some time to see this kid enter the first grade ranks full-time.

His move south from Townsville will ensure that happens in 2018 when he lines up at fullback for his new club.

We’ve seen glimpses of his potential in his nine NRL games for the Cowboys, but now he has the chance to prove himself as a genuine star.

He’s still just 19 years old but has the flare, skill and strength to make a serious impact in his first full season.

Red and blue fans are salivating at the thought of Ponga running out in the famous red and blue.

New recruits Connor Watson and Kalyn Ponga during Newcastle Knights training. Source: News Corp Australia

IT’S A BIG YEAR FOR ...

Sione Mata’utia

He’s still only 21 years of age but it feels like Sione Mata’utia is one of the club’s elder statesmen.

His three Tests for Australia feel like a lifetime ago, and he’s now played 67 games for Newcastle since his debut in 2014.

He’s in line to take the captain’s armband again in 2018 and if that happens, he’ll find himself leading the likes of past and present Origin stars Mitchell Pearce, Aidan Guerra, and Jacob Lillyman.

That’s quite different to captaining the inexperienced side the Knights trotted out last year.

On top of that, Mata’utia will be shifted back to the centres in an effort to reduce the risk of further concussions that could threaten his career.

There’s a lot of weight on the shoulders of this young man.

Will he rise to the challenge?

Sione Mata'utia of the Knights. Source: AAP

THE BEST 17

1. Kalyn Ponga

2. Nathan Ross

3. Sione Mata’utia

4. Tautau Moga

5. Shaun Kenny-Dowall

6. Connor Watson

7. Mitchell Pearce

8. Daniel Saifiti

9. Danny Levi

10. Jacob Lillyman

11. Aidan Guerra

12. Jamie Buhrer

13. Mitchell Barnett

14. Lachlan Fitzgibbon

15. Jacob Saifiti

16. Chris Heighington

17. Herman Ese’ese