In the eyes of many the move of former Salford Red Devils and Wigan Warriors star Jackson Hastings from Wests Tigers to Newcastle Knights was the final thing for the Knights to solve going into 2023.
His arrival gave the club a senior halfback for the first time since Mitchell Pearce left to Catalans Dragons and the need to bring in a seven was made all the more important when Jake Clifford left to Hull FC.
However, another player who joined Hull FC for 2023 has left the Knights still needing one last piece of the puzzle.
This is Tex Hoy. The fullback will replace Jake Connor at Hull FC in 2023 after he moved to Huddersfield Giants recently.
However, his move has left the Knights desperate for a fullback. This is because star fullback Kayln Ponga is now set for a positional switch to stand-off to play alongside Hastings.
This leaves the Knights needing a fullback and they have already considered a number of options including Reuben Garrick from the Manly Sea Eagles.
It also explains their interest in Wigan Warriors star Bevan French as well as the expectation that they will sign Huddersfield Giants youngster Will Pryce for 2024.
They have tried to get Pryce for 2023 as well as Kai Pearce-Paul from Wigan but so far have been unsuccessful but seemingly will have them for 2024.