The Newcastle Knights' playmaking stocks have undergone a significant reshuffle, leaving one-time first-choice five-eighth Tyson Gamble fighting for a new role as the 2026 NRL season approaches.
The New Halves Hierarchy in Newcastle
With the high-profile acquisition of star playmaker Dylan Brown on a mammoth 10-year deal and the signing of Sandon Smith for the next four seasons, the off-contract Gamble has slid down the pecking order. Knights coach Justin Holbrook has clearly earmarked his preferred halves combinations, looking at either Brown and Smith, or Brown and young gun Fletcher Sharpe.
Sharpe himself made a successful transition to five-eighth in 2025, starting 12 of 14 games there before an injury cut his campaign short. He and Gamble were originally slated to start the 2025 season together in the halves, but back surgery ruled Gamble out for the first six rounds, altering the trajectory of his year.
Holbrook's Plan for the 'Forgotten' Playmaker
Addressing Gamble's future, Holbrook was direct about the utility path ahead. "He's just got to roll with that utility role," Holbrook stated. "He's a competitive bloke, we all know that, he competes hard and he's going to fight his way in. He'll understand it could be in a utility position."
The coach praised Gamble's versatility and toughness, noting his capability to play in the middle as a lock-forward while maintaining good ball skills. "He's aware that we've brought key guys in, and he's OK with that," Holbrook added. "He'll battle for a spot."
Gamble, 29, joined the Knights ahead of the 2023 season and has played 44 of his 69 career NRL games for the club. His time in Newcastle has been marred by injury recently, with consecutive seasons in 2024 and 2025 cut short. Last year he managed only six top-grade appearances.
Roster Dynamics and Pre-Season Developments
The situation underscores a dramatic shift for Gamble, who was told he could explore opportunities elsewhere late last season alongside fellow playmaker Jack Cogger. While Cogger accepted a three-year deal with the Penrith Panthers, Gamble opted to stay and fight for his place at the Knights.
His presence provides experienced cover in the playmaking ranks. The final make-up of the bench utility role could be influenced by other positional moves. Sandon Smith has been touted as a potential hooker, which could see him start there if Phoenix Crossland is used at lock. However, Crossland is the incumbent starting hooker for New Zealand, potentially setting up a dummy-half rotation with Smith coming off the bench.
Holbrook clarified that Smith has done little training at hooker so far, as he has been needed in the halves due to an injury to star fullback Kalyn Ponga. In Ponga's absence, Fletcher Sharpe has been training at fullback. Holbrook also indicated last week that Sharpe, who scored 22 tries in 26 NRL games, would not be returning to the wing if not selected in the halves.
The Knights returned to training last week, with less than a month until their first trial against the St George Illawarra Dragons at Kogarah on February 7. Ponga is back running but yet to resume full training after bone bruising was found in his left foot in November. The skipper remains confident of playing in Newcastle's season-opener against the North Queensland Cowboys in Las Vegas on March 1.
