As the NRL pre-season intensifies, all eyes are on Newcastle this weekend for a blockbuster double-header that will offer fans an early glimpse into the Knights' strategic plans for 2026. The central question revolves around who will partner star recruit Dylan Brown in the halves, with coach Justin Holbrook keeping his cards close to his chest ahead of Saturday's opening trial.
Contenders for the Halves Role
Holbrook has yet to finalise his six-seven combination, setting the stage for a competitive battle among several players. The decision will be pivotal as the Knights prepare for a historic trip to Las Vegas and the upcoming NRL season.
Sandon Smith: The New Arrival
Sandon Smith, a recent acquisition from the Roosters, has made a strong impression during pre-season training. The 23-year-old has spent significant time alongside Brown, with Fletcher Sharpe often stepping in at fullback due to Kalyn Ponga's injury. Smith's versatility is notable, with previous NRL appearances spread across five-eighth, halfback, and bench roles. Former teammate Luke Keary praised his organisational skills, highlighting his ability to guide the team and execute effective kicks.
Fletcher Sharpe: The Homegrown Talent
Fletcher Sharpe, a Cessnock junior, burst onto the NRL scene in 2024 and added a dynamic edge to Newcastle's attack in 2025 before an emergency surgery cut his season short. Now fully recovered, the 21-year-old presents a constant threat with his running game, having scored 22 first-grade tries—10 as a playmaker and 12 as an outside back. Former NRL half Kieran Foran emphasised his indispensability, noting his danger from any position on the field.
Tyson Gamble: The Utility Option
Tyson Gamble appears to be third in line for a starting halves spot, with Holbrook indicating he will likely embrace a utility role. The 29-year-old has faced multiple injuries in recent campaigns, including back, foot, and nose issues, but his competitive spirit remains undimmed. With 59 NRL appearances as a playmaker, Gamble's experience could prove valuable in a changed six-man rotation.
Kalyn Ponga: The Unlikely Candidate
While highly improbable, Kalyn Ponga's potential switch to the halves cannot be entirely ruled out. As Newcastle's captain and premier fullback, Ponga benefits from reduced playmaking pressure with Brown's arrival, allowing him more freedom to roam. Off-contract in 2027 and recovering from a Lisfranc injury, the 2023 Dally M Medal recipient is expected to retain the No.1 jersey, barring State of Origin duties.
Injury Updates Ahead of Trials
The Knights squad is largely fit, but a few injury concerns loom. Young forward Cody Hopwood (calf) and veteran back Dane Gagai (hamstring) are racing against time to be available for Saturday's match against the Bulldogs at McDonald Jones Stadium. Both missed last weekend's loss to the Dragons, and their status for the Vegas opener against the Cowboys on March 1 remains uncertain.
On a positive note, Jermaine McEwen (ankle) is likely to return against Canterbury after being a late scratch in the first trial. No new injuries were reported from Saturday's game. English representative Dominic Young, recovering from a broken foot sustained during the Ashes series, is set to feature against the Bulldogs after being rested alongside international teammates Brown, Phoenix Crossland, and Bradman Best.
Trial Twists and Familiar Faces
In an intriguing subplot, former Knights forward Kai Pearce-Paul could make his return to Newcastle in Wests Tigers colours during the NRL double-header. While Kiwi prop Leo Thompson will be absent due to All Stars duty, Pearce-Paul's potential appearance adds spice to the occasion. The Tigers face the Roosters in the opening trial at 3:50pm, followed by the Knights versus Bulldogs at 6pm.
Other familiar faces include Upper Hunter products Jock Madden and Fletcher Baker, now with the Tigers and Bulldogs respectively. Knights mentor Justin Holbrook will also be in proximity to Trent Robinson, his former assistant coach at the Roosters. Additionally, high-profile signing Daly Cherry-Evans may debut for the Roosters, having spent his entire 352-game NRL career with Manly.
Elsewhere in the NRL trial schedule, the Cowboys host the Panthers in Mackay on Friday, while the Dragons welcome South Sydney to Wollongong on Saturday evening. As the pre-season unfolds, Newcastle's strategic decisions and player fitness will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike.
