Newcastle Knights Kick Off 2026 NRL Campaign with Glamorous Season Launch
The Newcastle Knights have formally commenced their 2026 NRL season in spectacular fashion, hosting a high-glamour launch event at Wests City in Newcastle on Wednesday night. Players, their partners, club officials, and sponsors gathered for an exclusive dinner upstairs at the Newcastle Exhibition and Convention Centre, setting the tone for what promises to be an exciting year ahead.
Las Vegas Trip Dominates Conversations at Launch
With less than 30 days remaining until the Knights' season opener in Las Vegas, the team's impending trip to the United States was a central topic of discussion throughout the evening. Newcastle is scheduled to face the North Queensland Cowboys at Allegiant Stadium on March 1, with kickoff set for 1.15pm AEDT.
The Knights will be taking a contingent of approximately 40 players and staff members to Nevada, where they will spend a full week acclimatising and preparing for the historic match. It is anticipated that several thousand passionate supporters will also make the journey abroad to cheer on their team in this international showcase.
Pre-Season Trials Set to Fine-Tune Squad
Before the American extravaganza, however, the Knights have two crucial pre-season trial matches lined up to fine-tune their preparations. This Saturday at 7.30pm, they will take on the St George Illawarra Dragons at Jubilee Oval in Kogarah.
A week later, on Saturday, February 14, Newcastle will host the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs at McDonald Jones Stadium in a 6pm fixture. This match forms part of a double-header event, following an earlier trial between the Wests Tigers and the Sydney Roosters at the same venue.
New Coach and Marquee Signing Bring Fresh Hope
The Knights are entering the 2026 season with renewed optimism following a challenging 2025 campaign where they finished at the bottom of the ladder. The club has appointed a new head coach in Justin Holbrook, who brings fresh tactical ideas and leadership to the squad.
Additionally, Newcastle has secured several new player signings, most notably marquee recruit Dylan Brown. The talented playmaker joined the Knights from the Parramatta Eels on a record-breaking 10-year contract worth $13 million, signalling the club's long-term commitment to building a competitive roster.
Jacob Saifiti and his partner Immogen were among the notable attendees at the season launch, embodying the glamorous atmosphere of the evening as the Knights community came together to celebrate the beginning of a new chapter.
