LeagueNews.co | Cooper McEnroe
The Newcastle Knights ended up at the bottom of the standings again in 2026, leading to the dismissal of Adam O'Brien.
With Justin Holbrook now at the helm, the club is under new management.
Although immediate success seems unlikely, the arrival of Dylan Brown-now the highest-paid player in the league-along with Trey Mooney and Sandon Smith, has sparked some optimism in the Hunter region.
However, whether this optimism translates into results depends significantly on Holbrook's team selection.
Brown's role remains uncertain, and there appears to be an excess of options for the spine. Additionally, the forward pack's stability is in question following Leo Thompson's departure.
As one of the NRL's more unpredictable teams, the Knights face numerous considerations as they approach the 2026 kick-off. The upcoming pre-season challenge may provide valuable insights into their potential performance on the field.
Here are the key selection questions for the Knights in 2026.