No more Nathan Tinkler, no more Wayne Bennett and no more excuses.

That’s what classy Newcastle utility back Dane Gagai is promising from the Knights in 2015 after one of the club’s most tumultuous NRL seasons in history.

As if dealing with the Alex McKinnon tragedy wasn’t enough for the players and diehard fans in Newcastle this year, the Knights also copped Bennett’s surprise resignation and had to endure the ongoing Tinkler sideshow.

With Tinkler relinquishing ownership of the Knights in May and Bennett quitting with one season remaining on his coaching contract, Gagai is excited about the prospect of the club starting with a clean slate under Rick Stone in 2015.

“This year was obviously a tough season for us and we had a lot to deal with,” Gagai told AAP.

“We’ve got a new coach and I’m confident he’ll do a good job with us and, yeah, I’m just looking forward to having a fresh start next year.”

The Knights never recovered after McKinnon suffered a devastating spinal injury in round three, eventually finishing 12th with just 10 wins.

It was a far cry from 2013, when Bennett guided the Knights to the penultimate week of the finals for the first time in nine years.

“What happened to Alex was obviously devastating, not only for us but the rugby league community,” Gagai said.

“It obviously took a toll on everyone, but we don’t make excuses for how we played.

“We could have done a lot of things a lot better.

“So we’re looking to put all that behind us now and having a fresh start and coming out as hard as we can.”

Making the finals again is the clear goal.

“If it’s not your goal to be in the top eight, you shouldn’t be wearing the jersey,” Gagai said.

“Obviously everyone wants a bit of consistency so I think that will also be one of our main goals, just to be able to back up each week.

“Everyone’s working hard, everyone’s doing all the extras at pre-season and I just look forward to see what next year brings.”

After three years as Newcastle’s head coach from 2009-11, Stone was relegated to Bennett’s assistant during the supercoach’s tenure.

Gagai welcomes his return.

“It’s good having Rick,” he said.

“I have a good relationship with him and everyone respects him and I’m confident he can get the job done.

“It’s going to be good to see how we go next year under a local coach.”