Knights Coach Reveals Trial Line-Up as Key Stars Sidelined for Pre-Season Opener
Newcastle Knights coach Justin Holbrook has provided a significant update on the club's preparations for the upcoming NRL season, confirming the starting halves combination for their first pre-season trial match. In a move that will give fans an early glimpse of the team's depth, Holbrook announced that young guns Fletcher Sharpe and Sandon Smith will start in the halves when the Knights face the St George Illawarra Dragons.
Marquee Players to Miss Kogarah Clash
Speaking in a video interview released on the club's official website, Holbrook revealed that several of Newcastle's most prominent stars will be rested for the trial match scheduled for Saturday, February 7 at Kogarah. The absentees include marquee off-season signing Dylan Brown, captain and fullback Kalyn Ponga, and representative players Dominic Young and Phoenix Crossland.
"The guys we will rest in the first trial are the international guys," Holbrook explained. "Phoenix, Dylan Brown and Bradman Best won't play. 'KP' is obviously not right ... he is working his way back through injury. So is Dom Young."
The coach indicated that approximately six players expected to feature in the round one starting seventeen would miss the initial trial, describing it as a precautionary measure for key personnel.
Halves Battle Heats Up in Pivotal Pre-Season
With Brown unavailable for the first trial, Holbrook has turned to the promising combination of Smith and Sharpe to steer the team around the park. This decision carries added significance as both players are essentially competing for the opportunity to partner Brown in the halves when the regular season commences.
Sharpe will also see time at fullback during the trials, filling the void left by Ponga who continues his recovery from injury. Despite his modified training program this summer, Ponga is not expected to feature in any trial matches but remains on track for Newcastle's season-opening clash in Las Vegas on March 1.
"He will be right for the Vegas game," Holbrook confirmed regarding his captain's fitness. "He will definitely be fullback for Vegas ... Dylan Brown is definitely in the halves. It just comes down to really Sandon and Fletcher Sharpe. Those guys will battle it out."
Experience Blends with Youth in Trial Strategy
Holbrook emphasised that despite the absence of several established stars, the trial team would feature a balanced mix of seasoned campaigners and emerging talent. The coach confirmed that recent recruit Trey Mooney, who joined from the Canberra Raiders, would receive immediate game time alongside experienced Knights forwards Jacob Saifiti and Tyson Frizell.
Veteran outside back Dane Gagai will also feature in what Holbrook described as a strategic approach to pre-season preparation. "The middles will get some game time," he noted. "Jacob Saifiti, Tyson Frizell, Trey Mooney - they'll all play ... 'Gags' will play as well. We've got a good mix of youth and experience for the first trial."
The coach framed the selection philosophy as both rewarding promising young players and providing senior squad members with valuable match conditioning ahead of the demanding NRL campaign.
Pre-Season Schedule and Looking Ahead
Following their opening trial against the Dragons, Newcastle will host the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs at their home ground just one week later. These matches represent crucial preparation opportunities as the Knights build toward their historic season opener in the United States.
Holbrook's trial update precedes the official team list release scheduled for next week, offering Knights supporters an early insight into the coach's thinking as the club finalises its preparations for the 2026 NRL season. The emphasis on managing player workloads while developing squad depth suggests a carefully considered approach to what promises to be a challenging campaign for the Newcastle-based team.
