Knights Pivot Sandon Smith Steps Up as Fletcher Sharpe Ruled Out
Newcastle Knights playmaker Sandon Smith is set to assume a more prominent role in the team’s dominant attacking structure, following the decision to hold back livewire No. 6 Fletcher Sharpe from their upcoming clash. The Knights confirmed on Friday that Sharpe would be sidelined for the highly anticipated match against the Warriors due to a knee injury.
This setback means the 21-year-old will join star fullback Kalyn Ponga and fellow half Dylan Brown on the injury list, leaving Newcastle without their first-choice custodian and two key playmakers.
The club had initially hoped Sharpe would be fit to reclaim his No. 6 jersey for the weekend’s fixture. However, he was unable to complete training late in the week. A cautious approach has also been a consideration, given Sharpe sustained damage to his posterior cruciate ligament in the opening round in Las Vegas.
Consequently, Tyson Gamble will return to the first-grade side to partner Smith in the halves. Gamble, who played just six NRL games last season, now has an opportunity to impress. Despite the significant absences in their playmaking stocks, Newcastle’s attack appears to be in good hands. The Knights have demonstrated strong offensive form in their opening two wins of the season, scoring more points than they did in the final five games of the previous year, instilling confidence in their offensive capabilities.
Knights coach Justin Holbrook commented on the partnership between Gamble and Smith, noting their existing chemistry. “Tyson and Sandon have spent plenty of time together, particularly pre-Christmas, when we didn’t have the international guys,” Holbrook stated. “That’s why, so everyone is clear what they have to do when they do get called upon, so we don’t miss a beat. Tyson is a really experienced player, and had a really good pre-season and played really well in NSW Cup, so he will slot in there.”
While Gamble’s call-up represents a significant opportunity after being behind Brown, Sharpe, and Smith earlier in the season, Smith’s ascension to the No. 7 role is equally noteworthy. Smith’s journey to this point has been a complex one. He was once earmarked as Sam Walker’s long-term halves partner at the Sydney Roosters but was later dropped for Hugo Savala and subsequently left the club following Daly Cherry-Evans’ arrival.
Smith arrived in Newcastle with aspirations of securing a regular spot in the halves. However, he narrowly missed out on a starting position for the opening round, with Sharpe partnering Brown. His fortunes took a dramatic turn when he was introduced to the field after just 20 minutes in the Vegas opener. Now, with Brown expected to miss approximately four games due to his knee injury, Smith has been thrust into the role of the Knights’ chief playmaker.
Reflecting on his career trajectory, Smith described the unpredictable nature of rugby league. “That’s rugby league, honestly. It’s a massive roller-coaster,” Smith shared. “I think there’s a quote out there that a week in rugby league feels like a lifetime, and it’s honestly so true. It’s been a bit of my career over the past few years, so I’ve been able to just learn to adapt, and you always have to stay ready. Honestly, you do never know what’s going to happen.”
Meanwhile, the undefeated Warriors have received a welcome boost with the return of NSW prop Mitchell Barnett, who has been cleared to play after recovering from an ACL rupture. However, centre Adam Pompey will remain in Auckland to be present for the birth of his first child.
