Five players in Newcastle's full-time squad have farewelled the club following the official conclusion of their season.
The Knights 2019 awards night took place on Wednesday night, with the club confirming that Shaun Kenny-Dowall, Jamie Buhrer, Slade Griffin, Nathan Ross and Zac Woolford would not be at the club next season.
It was reported a couple of weeks ago that Kenny-Dowall would be leaving the club at the end of his contract, likely to take up a deal in the English Super League.
MORE: The Lurker: The truth about why Ryan Matterson wants to leave Tigers
'SKD' finishes on 277 NRL games between the Roosters and Knights, having crossed for 139 tries.
His 121 four-pointers with the tricolours has him second on their all-time list, behind only club great Anthony Minichiello.
The Kiwi veteran joined the club in the middle of 2017, scoring 18 tries in 53 games.
One-time Blues representative Buhrer's time at the club ends after three season and 45 games.
The 29-year-old spoke about his fond memories in the Hunter.
“It was a move that I’m so glad that I made. I’ve certainly enjoyed every moment,” Buhrer said.
“I’ve got two children who are Novocastrians, I had the twins here, and my wife and I have really settled and love the place.
"I’m just happy to be a part of this journey, I was happy for the club to have me for this part of the journey.”
The departures of Griffin and Ross, both brought about by injury, are under slightly more difficult circumstances.
Griffin, 28, managed 16 games in 2018, his first season at the Knights after joining from Melbourne, though the hooker hasn't played since round 16 of that year, having suffered a fourth ACL injury.
Cult hero winger Ross announced his medical retirement from the game back April, succumbing to recurring pelvis and groin injuries.
Young hooker Woolford, son of former Raiders and Dragons dummy half Simon, has also been released without playing a first-grade game.