Newcastle fans celebrate Knights legend's promotion under Holbrook

Newcastle Knights Make Big Coaching Move

Newcastle Knights coach Justin Holbrook is already making a significant impact at the club, with reports of promoting club legend Danny Buderus to his coaching team for the 2026 season. This move comes after a challenging 2025 NRL season, where the Knights finished with the wooden spoon. Fans have been demanding change, and the club's hierarchy has responded by appointing Holbrook as head coach.

The Daily Telegraph was the first to report that the Knights have promoted Buderus to become one of the assistant coaches. This decision is expected to be well-received by the fanbase.

Buderus holds the record for the most caps in the club's history and was part of the 2001 NRL premiership-winning team. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest No.9s to have ever played the game. His intelligence on the field and deep understanding of the sport will undoubtedly aid Holbrook's efforts to rebuild the struggling club.

At 47 years old, Buderus has been involved with the Knights in various roles, including trainer and leadership development manager. He has often been seen on the field assisting the players. Holbrook has now given him a more prominent role, which is expected to improve the team's performance moving forward.

“Firstly, his character alone, in the way he always played the game is what we need to instil into the group,” Holbrook said of Buderus joining his coaching staff. “He’s the most capped Knights player and I want to utilise him a lot more in terms of coaching.”

Key Appointments and New Signings

Holbrook is taking over a club that is set to welcome several new faces in 2026. He has already appointed Brett White and Steve Hales as other assistant coaches. The Knights are also bringing in big names such as Dylan Brown, Sandon Smith, and Trey Mooney.

Andrew Johns, another club legend, has called for Holbrook to make a decisive choice regarding the spine of the team during pre-season. This follows frustrations from fans when Adam O'Brien was in charge, as the six and seven combinations often changed.

Challenges Ahead for Holbrook

One of the biggest challenges Holbrook faces is determining who will make up the Knights' spine in 2026. Dylan Brown, signed on a major deal from Parramatta, is expected to wear the No.7 jersey next year. Although traditionally a five-eighth, this could allow Fletcher Sharpe or Sandon Smith to take the No.6 position.

Sandon Smith has also been tipped as a dummy-half with Kalyn Ponga holding the fullback position. Johns urged Holbrook to figure out the spine combination once Brown returns from international duty, emphasizing the need for stability.

“But once again, who plays seven, who plays six, who plays nine?” Johns said on Channel Nine last month. “Holbrook needs to be brave and stick with that combination so they can work together and form a partnership going forward.”

Sandon Smith's Role

Smith, who was surplus to requirements at the Roosters, has joined the Knights after attracting interest from several clubs. Holbrook sees Smith potentially playing as the new No.9 or in the halves. However, his role will be to quickly address the instability in the spine that has plagued the team in recent years.

“I honestly think he can play both,” Holbrook told SEN Radio. “I love him in the halves, but it's a matter of putting all the pieces together.”