Knights Coach Holbrook Names Extensive Squad for Opening NRL Trial Clash
Newcastle Knights head coach Justin Holbrook has unveiled a substantial 28-man squad for the club's initial NRL trial match against the St George Illawarra Dragons this Saturday evening. The selection indicates Holbrook's intention to evaluate a broad range of players ahead of the 2026 season kickoff.
Key Players Rested as Emerging Talent Gets Opportunity
In a strategic move, Holbrook has opted to rest several high-profile Knights stars for this trial fixture. Notably absent from the squad are captain and fullback Kalyn Ponga, marquee signing Dylan Brown, winger Dominic Young, back-rower Dylan Lucas, centres Dane Gagai and Bradman Best, and hooker Phoenix Crossland. These omissions create valuable opportunities for both emerging players and new recruits to showcase their abilities in a competitive setting.
Starting Lineup Features Mix of Experience and Youth
The selected starting lineup presents an intriguing blend of seasoned campaigners and promising newcomers. Fletcher Hunt, who enjoyed a breakthrough 2025 season with eleven NRL appearances, will wear the number one jersey at fullback. The experienced Greg Marzhew and James Schiller have been named on the wings, while uncapped outside-back Wilson De Courcey partners Kyle McCarthy in the centres.
In the forwards, Jacob Saifiti and Trey Mooney have been selected as the starting props, potentially forming Newcastle's front row for their Las Vegas campaign next month. Jermaine McEwen and Thomas Cant comprise the back row, with Tyson Frizell assuming the captaincy duties from the lock position.
Bench and Extended Squad Depth
The traditional bench positions (jerseys 14-17) feature Tyson Gamble, Mat Croker, Matt Arthur and returning forward Pasami Saulo, who rejoins the Knights after several seasons with the Canberra Raiders. The extended bench, permissible under trial match rules with unlimited interchanges, includes several players with NRL experience such as Brodie Jones, Cody Hopwood, Connor Votano, Asu Kepaoa, Peter Hola and Elijah Salesa-Leaumoana.
Additional squad members yet to make their NRL debuts include outside-backs Sosaia Latu and Logan Aoake, young half Matthew Hunter (recruited from Parramatta), and forwards Franics Manuleleua and Lachlan Crouch.
Dragons Squad Composition and Strategy
Opponents St George Illawarra have named a 24-man squad featuring familiar faces including fullback Tyrell Sloan, prop Josh Kerr and lock Hame Sele. However, Dragons coach Shane Flanagan has followed a similar strategy to Holbrook by resting his most experienced players, including Clint Gutherson, Valentine Holmes, Daniel Atkinson, Damien Cook and his son Kyle Flanagan.
The Dragons' halves combination will see Lyhkan King-Togia starting at five-eighth alongside uncapped halfback Kade Reed, providing both clubs with valuable assessment opportunities for their developing playmakers.
This 7:30pm trial match at Kogarah's Jubilee Oval represents a crucial preparatory step for both NRL clubs as they fine-tune their squads ahead of the upcoming season, with particular focus on evaluating emerging talent and integrating new recruits into their respective systems.
