Vegas Bound: Knights' American Dream Nears Reality
The Newcastle Knights are officially on the clock, with just 100 days remaining until their historic NRL season opener against the North Queensland Cowboys in Las Vegas. This landmark match on March 1 (AEST) marks the club's first involvement in the NRL's ambitious American venture, triggering a massive logistical operation described as one of the biggest in the club's history.
Preparations are intensifying, with Knights football director Chris James departing for Las Vegas this Friday. He will join officials from other NRL clubs to finalise critical details for the round-one mission, which involves a trip of more than a week departing in late February. James' itinerary includes inspecting proposed training facilities, accommodation, and other key sites to ensure optimal preparation for the team.
New Era Under Holbrook Begins in Sin City
The Vegas clash will double as the first game in charge for new head coach Justin Holbrook, who replaced Adam O'Brien after his six-season tenure. With only a few months to prepare, Holbrook and his staff have recalled the majority of the NRL squad for pre-season training. However, some new recruits from clubs that had deep finals campaigns, along with international representatives, are yet to return.
Among those still on break is the Knights' marquee signing, former Parramatta Eels playmaker Dylan Brown. Brown, who starred for New Zealand in their Pacific Championships Test wins, has joined Newcastle on a massive 10-year, $13 million contract. The record-breaking deal has been a hot topic since its announcement, attracting mixed opinions that are sure to follow the team into the new season.
Handling the Hype: Coach's Take on Mega-Deal Scrutiny
In a radio interview with Triple M Newcastle on Thursday, Holbrook was asked about the intense scrutiny that accompanies such a significant financial commitment. Drawing from his experience coaching St Helens in England's Super League, where the financial figures in soccer are even more staggering, Holbrook predicted that on-field success would silence the talk about pay packets.
"We're in a high-pressure environment," Holbrook stated. "The good clubs, they never got spoken about [regarding salaries]. Man City were winning, and they were probably the most-paid players, but all they spoke about was how Man City were playing... If we can get them playing well, then no one is going to care who is getting paid what. They just want our team to win."
Holbrook has already publicly backed Brown to steer Newcastle's attack in 2025, confidence that was bolstered by Brown's stellar international form.
The historic Las Vegas double-header will also feature a clash between the Bulldogs and the Dragons, followed by a Super League match between Hull KR and Leeds Rhinos.
Closer to home, Knights fans have the chance to see the team prepare with a series of open training sessions. The first is at Lakeside Sporting Complex in Raymond Terrace this Saturday, with gates opening at 8am and training commencing at 9am. Further sessions in Cessnock, Newcastle, and Coffs Harbour are scheduled over the next month.
