Newcastle Knights coach Justin Holbrook has revealed he expects clarity on his halves combination within the next few weeks, as the club works through a crowded playmaking picture ahead of the 2026 NRL season.
Speaking on SEN 1170 Breakfast, Holbrook confirmed the Knights are still some way from locking in a definitive pairing, but is confident a first-choice duo will be in place by the time Newcastle run out for their season-opening clash in Las Vegas.
"To be honest, I'll probably use the next three weeks on it," Holbrook said.
"I'll use the next few weeks shuffling guys around, figuring out the side of the field they're going to play on, and it'll work itself out."
The Knights boast no shortage of options, with Dylan Brown, Fletcher Sharpe, and Sandon Smith all in the mix.
Brown, who arrives on a reported 10-year, $13 million deal from the Parramatta Eels, is a certainty to feature in the halves if fit, though whether he lines up at halfback or five-eighth remains undecided.
Smith, recruited from the Sydney Roosters, adds further flexibility, capable of playing both hooker and in the halves, while also competing with Phoenix Crossland for the No.9 role.
Holbrook stressed the club is determined not to repeat the instability of recent seasons, after former coach Adam O'Brien used 29 different halves combinations across six years.
"I understand I've got to get that settled so we can get on with it," Holbrook said.
"But the players themselves have been fine.
"They don't care what side they play and what position, obviously, they all want to be in the side, but I'll fit them all in."
” the Knights are still some way from locking in a definitive pairing, but is confident a first-choice duo will be in place by the time Newcastle run out for their season-opening clash in Las Vegas. ”
Well, yes ! You would certainly hope so.
What this tells me is that Newcastle has buyer’s remorse from having splurged all that money on a Number 6, when they really wanted a Number 7; and that this expensive guy has failed to impress at 7 – which is why coach Holbrook is still shuffling the cards.
What a load of tripe. The full article elsewhere states he is shuffling the spine because of Ponga is not 100% certain for round 1. Hence why they keep talking about Sandon at 9. Anyone that ACTUALLY knows what they are talking about will be able to work out the rest. Brown will left side 7 like Hastings used to when Newcastle made the finals last and Sharpe will be playing 6 whenever the full squad is available. Ponga will be playing a whole heap of first receiver and a ball playing role and Sharpe will be roaming. Only real footy brains will understand this and copy and paste fans with no knowledge won’t be able to get their heads around it until they see it. Sandon Smith is just another Jack Cogger that can play 9. Jack Cogger had a premiership under his belt. What has Sandon done? He is not our best half option in any way shape or form and will play in the halves when 1,6 or 7 are unavailable. He will slot into 7. Sandon Smith is our best 9 option to relieve Crossland into the pack and add very much needed depth to the forwards. Get your facts right know it all.
Ponga playing first receiver worked a treat to start last year but he needed support which he now has. I think Brown and Sharpe will play 6 and 7 but I wouldn’t be surprised to see Sharpe wear the 7 as he’s just an energise bunny who wont care what number he is. But yes I’d say they’re the halves but I disagree with the Smith and Cogger comparison. Smith imo has a lot more upside. We also have Arthur for 9 but I’d imagine to start the year (if ponga is fit) Smith will be 14 with Crossland 9 who will then move to 13 and have frizell move to prop after the opening sets. We finally have depth across the park which we haven’t had for years. Backs ponga young gagai best marzhew hunt sharpe Kepaoa are the obvious ones
Halves and hooker Brown sharpe Smith gamble crossland Smith Arthur
Pack, Saifiti, Mooney, Saulo, Hola, Croker, Jones, Frizell Crossland, lucas, Mcewen, Sullivan, Salesa, Kepaoa, Manuelela, crouch, cant. Sure the Pack aren’t world beaters but there’s plenty of potential and more importantly depth.