The NRL has long resisted pressure to ban lifting tackles even in the wake of the Alex McKinnon incident, instead promising harsher penalties for illegal versions of it. There might have been a reason why.

Former Newcastle Knights player Alex McKinnon has reportedly launched legal proceedings against the NRL for the tackle that left him paralysed in 2014.

Newcastle could become a community-owned club by 2018 if supporters buy into the Knights under a share offering based on the models of international sporting giants Green Bay Packers and FC Barcelona.

Knights chief executive Matt Gidley said speculation about the size of Kalyn Ponga's deal had been "wildly exaggerated" after Newcastle confirmed on Monday they had signed the teenage sensation for four years.

Dismayed and shocked at the time of his release from Manly, Jamie Buhrer is now looking to the future with the Knights as side prepares to rise from the ashes of the wooden spoon last season.

Newcastle Knights have David Fifita, the twin of Sharks and NSW enforcer Andrew, in their sights.

Joey Leilua hasn't been able to wipe the smile off his face all season, but 18 months ago he hated his life. He was fat and he knew it. Problem was, he didn't care.

NRL referees' boss Tony Archer has backed whistle-blower Henry Perenara after the controversial penalty that consigned Newcastle to their 18th consecutive defeat on Saturday.

Newcastle's NRL losing streak has been extended to 18, courtesy of a controversial 28-26 defeat to St George Illawarra.

The NRL will use the final round game between St George Illawarra and Newcastle and the finals of the National Youth Competition to trial a cricket-style decision review system.

It was a development that Newcastle Knights officials would have noted with interest, and perhaps even a degree of alarm.

A week after breaking James Tedesco's jaw with a swinging arm, Gold Coast prop Ryan James scored two first-half tries to help sink the Knights 26-6 at Hunter Stadium on Saturday.

Knights playmaker Jarrod Mullen has dismissed speculation the club is trying to offload him as "a load of rubbish", after a reassurance he features in coach Nathan Brown's plans.

Knights chief executive Matt Gidley has dismissed a report suggesting the club is trying to offload senior playmaker Jarrod Mullen, saying there is "no truth to it whatsoever".

After struggling all season against teams with older, more experienced players, Newcastle get a chance to play in their own age division when they take on Penrith on Sunday.

Concussion has forced Newcastle winger James McManus to retire from the NRL, effective immediately.

Newcastle's losing streak extended to a club-record 14 games when they were beaten 28-14 by Canterbury at Hunter Stadium on Saturday.

Knights warrior Jeremy Smith knows the finish line is getting nearer.

Canterbury players have wasted no time throwing shade at former teammate Trent Hodkinson, with prop Sam Kasiano saying he can't wait to make a beeline for the Newcastle halfback.