The Newcastle Knights are currently facing one of the most challenging selection dilemmas in the National Rugby League (NRL). This situation, which was initially a pre-season concern, now feels more like a reality check for the club. The past few years have been marked by uncertainty, with Adam O’Brien’s rotating policy in the halves creating an air of instability. However, the arrival of Justin Holbrook this year brought a fresh perspective, along with key signings such as Dylan Brown from the Parramatta Eels and Sandon Smith from the Sydney Roosters.
This new era, however, has not come without its challenges. With Kalyn Ponga occupying the fullback position, it became clear that someone would have to miss out. Initially, Sandon Smith started the season on the bench, but when Fletcher Sharpe suffered an injury, Smith stepped up and performed exceptionally well. Then, Dylan Brown also faced an injury, leaving Sharpe and Smith to dominate the halves for the Knights.
Ponga’s absence has also allowed Fletcher Hunt to shine at the back, showcasing his potential and possibly hinting at why the Knights might want to retain Ponga beyond his current contract.
It is now evident that Sharpe will not be needed at fullback, meaning Holbrook will once again face the same selection dilemma when Dylan Brown returns, potentially as early as next week. Despite the Knights’ strong form, there’s no rush to bring Brown back. However, keeping the highest-paid player in the game on the sidelines longer than necessary is not ideal.
If Brown is fit, he is expected to return next weekend for a road trip against the Wests Tigers. But what should Holbrook do with the rest of the spine if Brown is back?
Sandon Smith clearly stands out as the best halfback in the team and needs to play regularly. However, it’s not feasible to keep Fletcher Sharpe on the bench, given his high quality. Moving Dylan Brown to the six could allow Sharpe to move into the outside backs, but finding someone to drop from that position is difficult. In the recent clash with the Raiders, both wingers Greg Marzhew and Dominic Young scored doubles, with Marzhew running for 242 metres and Young for 194 metres. These performances make it hard to justify replacing them with Sharpe.
Dane Gagai, playing in the centres, had 147 metres and two try assists in the game against Canberra. While Bradman Best was quiet due to an injury, it’s unclear whether his absence would resolve the selection issue. Even then, would Sharpe be suitable at centre?
Another option could be shifting Smith to hooker, but this would bring the team back to square one, with two five-eighths in the halves and Phoenix Crossland, who has played through a broken nose already this season, waiting in the wings.
Given these options, it seems that Sharpe may have to step aside, despite his immense potential. This outcome would have been unthinkable in the pre-season, but the rising star playing from the bench in the coming weeks might become a reality.
Holbrook, currently at four wins and one loss, has fewer headaches compared to other coaches like Ricky Stuart or Shane Flanagan. However, this particular selection dilemma is sure to keep him awake at night in the coming weeks. The NRL’s biggest headache, for the right reasons, at a high-flying Knights team—no one saw that coming.
