Justin Holbrook's influence on Newcastle's NRL campaign has been transformative, igniting a remarkable revival after the team's dismal performance last season.
As players gathered for the beginning of pre-season, Holbrook emphasized that last year's wooden spoon was a thing of the past. Five-eighth Fletcher Sharpe reflected on Holbrook's motivational approach, sharing, "He said: 'Look, I don't really care about what happened last year - it's a new year.'"
Installed following Adam O'Brien's departure, Holbrook made a bold impact. Halfback Sandon Smith noted, "He said we had to come together and buy into a style. And we can win the comp." Players fully committed to this new mindset from the very start.
With the elimination final against South Sydney approaching, Newcastle's attack has undergone one of the most significant improvements in the league's history.
Last season, Newcastle struggled, finishing with the league's least effective offense, going scoreless in numerous halves. However, this year, they are scoring an average of 12.3 more points per game.
Remarkably, Newcastle previously scored only five tries from beyond halfway, but this season they lead the NRL with 30 such tries. Additionally, 63 tries have originated from outside the 20-metre zone, a jump from last year's 18.
Sharpe expressed enthusiasm for the new playing style, stating, "It's a fun style to play... It allows the strike players on the edges to get plenty of ball and do their thing."
Despite facing injury challenges, including absences from players like Sharpe and Kalyn Ponga, the team's efficiency has notably increased. Ponga discussed the coaching staff's approach, saying, "There's no limit on what you can be," a testament to their encouragement of individual creativity.
As Newcastle prepares for the upcoming match, the unity and belief instilled by Holbrook could prove pivotal to their success.