The National Rugby League’s weekly team list announcements have commenced with significant strategic shifts, headlined by the Newcastle Knights’ pivotal decision in their playmaking positions. New head coach Justin Holbrook has initiated his tenure with a major selection call, appointing Fletcher Sharpe at five-eighth to partner with high-profile recruit Dylan Brown for the upcoming Las Vegas season opener.
This selection resolves weeks of speculation regarding the halves composition, with Holbrook favoring Sharpe’s speed over former Rooster Sandon Smith, a move that places additional organizational responsibility on Brown’s playmaking capabilities. The decision carries substantial weight for a squad that endured a challenging 2025 season, having claimed the wooden spoon while recording the competition’s lowest points tally.
Brown will receive substantial support from former Dally M medalist Kalyn Ponga, who continues as a crucial offensive weapon from the fullback position. Meanwhile, Jermaine McEwen has secured a starting spot in the back row over Thomas Cant, with Smith beginning his Knights career from the interchange bench.
The Knights face a North Queensland Cowboys side navigating their own selection adjustments, with Zac Laybutt absent due to suspension. This development provides an opportunity for the unfortunate Tom Chester to start at center, with coach Todd Payten expressing strong confidence in his readiness despite previous injury setbacks.
Across other Vegas participants, the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs have received positive medical news with star trio Matt Burton, Jacob Kiraz, and Marcelo Montoya all named to face the St. George Illawarra Dragons despite recent injury concerns. The Dragons themselves have awarded an NRL debut to trial standout Setu Tu on the wing, while implementing a new halves combination of Daniel Atkinson and Kyle Flanagan.
All four teams must adapt to revised interchange regulations permitting six players on the bench, though coaches retain the limitation of utilizing only four substitutes during match play. The strategic implications of these rule modifications will be closely observed in the American showcase event.