NRL 2025: Justin Holbrook on Dylan Brown, Knights coach, how he will shape his roster, SMH, rugby league news

Incoming Knights coach Justin Holbrook has revealed what his “main job” will be when he arrives in Newcastle to start his post.

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The Knights yesterday announced Holbrook would replace Adam O’Brien, who was at the helm at Newcastle for six seasons.

Holbrook has been an assistant coach at the Roosters for the past two seasons. His last head coaching gig in the NRL was with the Titans, a position he was unceremoniously sacked from midway through the 2023 season.

Holbrook has an almighty task ahead of him. He inherits a team who limped to the finish line this season, losing their final nine games to collect the wooden spoon.

The big storyline around the Knights is the contract of new recruit Dylan Brown.

The former Eel will join Newcastle on a whopping ten-year, $13 million. Given his indifferent form this season, it seems like an overpay from the Knights, but Holbrook doesn’t see it that way.

“He’s already there, he’s still only 24 now and he’s been one of the class halves of our competition for a few years now,” Holbrook said.

“That’s my main job when I get up there, getting in with all those boys and putting all the pieces together.

“Dylan is a big part of that. He’s a very exciting recruit to join the club. I’m excited to work with him.”

In addition to Brown’s arrival, the future of skipper Kalyn Ponga will be a big talking point heading into next season.

Ponga is also on a big money deal which runs through until the end of 2027 but there has been a stack of speculation around a potential move to rugby union. There have also been rumours linking the fullback to the Roosters.

Ponga’s best is world-beating, but his form was underwhelming in 2025 before suffering a season-ending injury.

Holbrook comes well-regarded as an attacking coach, with the Roosters the highest-scoring team in the NRL during his time at the club.

The 49-year-old’s job will be getting the most out this Knights attack, who was easily the worst in 2025.

While the roster needs a bit of a shake up, there are still several good pieces Holbrook can work with including young gun Fletcher Sharpe, winger Dom Young as well as recruits Brown and Sandon Smith.

None more important than Ponga though.

“He is right at the centre of it,” Holbrook said.

“It’s exciting to know Dylan is coming, you’ve got Kalyn there and you’ve got Fletcher Sharp and Sandon Smith has signed as well.

“You’ve got a lot of exciting players to play and fit in.”