Knights Star Fletcher Sharpe Withdrawn from Bulldogs Trial Due to Hamstring Tightness
Newcastle Knights playmaker Fletcher Sharpe has been officially ruled out of Saturday's trial match against the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs after experiencing hamstring tightness during training this week. The 21-year-old was initially named to start at fullback for the pre-season fixture but will now be kept on ice as a precautionary measure.
Sharpe is understood to be in no doubt for Newcastle's season opener in Las Vegas on March 1, with the Knights taking a conservative approach to ensure their attacking ace is fully fit for the start of the NRL campaign. Coach Justin Holbrook confirmed the decision on Friday, stating that Sharpe had picked up a minor niggle that would prevent him from participating in the trial.
Holbrook Weighs Halves Combination Ahead of Season Opener
Sharpe played approximately 60 minutes in Newcastle's first trial last week, featuring at five-eighth for the first half before shifting to fullback in the second half. He partnered with halfback Sandon Smith in the 28-18 loss to the St George Illawarra Dragons, and Smith will retain his starting position against the Bulldogs. Marquee signing Dylan Brown will come into the side at five-eighth for this match.
Holbrook had previously indicated that he was considering giving Sharpe additional time in the halves during this trial, but those plans have now been shelved. The coach emphasised that Sharpe remains a key part of the team's plans for the upcoming season, with his versatility being a significant asset.
Knights Dealing with Multiple Absences for Bulldogs Clash
In addition to Sharpe, the Knights will also be without several other key players for Saturday's trial. Captain Kalyn Ponga is recovering from a foot injury, while Dane Gagai is managing a hamstring issue and Trey Mooney is unavailable due to All Stars commitments. Holbrook expressed confidence that all these players would be at full fitness within two weeks.
"We've got a few guys missing in tomorrow's game," Holbrook said. "Kalyn, Sharpey, Gags and Trey Mooney ... in two weeks' time, all those guys will be at 100 per cent."
Sharpe's Role Still Under Consideration for Round One
Speaking at a Knights old boys' luncheon ahead of the 6pm match, Holbrook revealed that he is still deliberating whether Sharpe or Smith will partner Dylan Brown in the halves for the season opener. Smith will now have an extended opportunity to stake his claim during the Bulldogs trial, but Holbrook made it clear that Sharpe's position in the team is secure.
"Sharpe is either going to play in the halves with Dylan Brown or we will find a spot for him," Holbrook stated. "Depending on Sandon Smith ... if he has a day out at seven and runs the team completely well, it will be hard to overlook him there."
The coach compared Sharpe to former Knights utility Kurt Gidley, highlighting his ability to play multiple positions effectively. Sharpe has previously featured at fullback, five-eighth, and on the wing during his NRL career, though Holbrook has ruled out a return to the wing for the young star.
Positive Selection Headache for Knights Coaching Staff
Holbrook described the selection dilemma as a positive problem to have, emphasising the quality of players at his disposal. "It is open, but not in a negative way," he explained. "The fact that we've got absolute strike and weapons is a good thing. We're not juggling mediocre here, we're juggling high-class players."
Ponga is expected to return at fullback for Newcastle's round one clash against the North Queensland Cowboys, which will likely see Sharpe deployed elsewhere in the lineup. Holbrook acknowledged that Sharpe is currently the team's second-best option in multiple positions but possesses the talent to be the best in any given role.
"I'll fit them all in, don't panic, but I don't know where they are playing," Holbrook concluded, indicating that the final decisions on positions will be made closer to the season opener.
