Sport
12 February, 2026
Hunt gets another chance to impress
Warren-raised Fletcher Hunt has kept his place in Newcastle's side for the Knights' next trial
Warren and Nyngan rugby league junior, Fletcher Hunt, has been given another opportunity in Newcastle’s top-grade rugby league squad for the home trial against Canterbury-Bankstown at McDonald Jones Stadium on Saturday, February 14.
Hunt, 20, started at fullback in Newcastle’s 28-18 Witzer Pre-Season Challenge round one loss to St George Illawarra at Jubilee Stadium, Sydney on Saturday, February 7, but also played at right centre and right wing in the second half.
This week, he has been named to wear the number three jersey at right centre in round two of the Witzer Pre-Season Challenge. NSW Origin star Bradman Best will be the left centre.
Newcastle coach Justin Holbrook is giving the Warren-raised Hunt plenty of trial opportunities to push his case to add to his 12 National Rugby League (NRL) matches played last year.
Selection in the starting side for this trial, with Newcastle naming a strong squad, indicates Hunt is impressing in pre-season.
For this match against the Bulldogs, Fletcher Sharpe will play fullback, with new recruits Sandon Smith and Dylan Brown combining in the halves.
Only Kalyn Ponga and Dane Gagai are missing.
The NRL has also introduced 19-man match-day squads for 2026, meaning a versatile outside back could become a likely regular bench position.
From the six selected bench players, four will be able to participate in matches.
If he misses out on the starting side at any time, the Warren product’s versatility could be his biggest asset, able to fill any holes as required, in particular in the outside backs at elite level.
The Knights kick-off their season in Las Vegas on Sunday, March 1 (Australian time) against the North Queensland Cowboys.
Hunt made his first grade debut last season as Knights player number #359 and went on score five tries, being a regular feature in the back half of the season.
He also played 11 NSW Cup (reserve grade) matches last season, scoring seven tries.
Newcastle Knights head of recruitment Peter O’Sullivan said in June 2025 when Hunt’s re-signing was announced that he had earned his new deal.
At the time, the new deal stated Hunt is on a NRL development contract for 2026, with promotion into the club’s top-30 NRL squad coming in 2027 as part of the deal signed last year.
“Fletcher’s hard work and competitive nature has earned the respect of his teammates and staff, this contract upgrade and extension is a fitting reward," O’Sullivan said at the time.
“He has great utility value, he can play anywhere in the backline and lock at a pinch if required, making him an ideal utility moving forward.”
Where other star players line-up could also determine what role Hunt plays this season.
Brown, Smith, Sharpe, Ponga and Tyson Gamble are all capable of playing in the halves, while Ponga, Sharpe and Gagai (along with Hunt) can also play fullback.
When speaking with Jake Duke on Fox Sports after Saturday’s opening 2026 trial against St George-Illawarra, Newcastle recruit Dylan Brown, who sat out that match, said he wasn’t sure where he will play halfback or five-eighth in 2026. He is at number six this weekend.
“Oh bro, we don’t know yet. We are going to have to wait for Justin to make that decision,” Brown said.
“We’re just enjoying all the combinations that we have at the moment. We have a lot of great spine players.
“We’ve got Sharpey (Fletcher Sharpe), Sando (Sandon Smith), KP (Kalyn Ponga) might even be in the six maybe.”
Brown commented that Holbrook “has got a good balance” as head coach. “He knows when to have fun and when to pull us up at training. He’s been awesome,” Brown said.
Fletcher Sharpe added the following when speaking with Duke after the 10-point loss to the Dragons.
“Not really a preference,” Sharpe said on position. “I feel like I’m able to adapt to a few different positions which is handy … wherever Justin (Holbrook) thinks I’ll have the most benefit to the team, I’m happy to play.”
NEWCASTLE: 1 Fletcher Sharpe, 2 Dominic Young, 3 Fletcher Hunt, 4 Bradman Best, 5 Greg Marzhew, 6 Dylan Brown, 7 Sandon Smith, 8 Jacob Saifiti, 10 Tyson Frizell, 11 Dylan Lucas, 12 Thomas Cant, 13 Mat Croker; 14 Tyson Gamble, 15 Jermaine McEwen, 16 Elijah Salesa- Leaumonana, 17 Pasami Saulo, 18 Brodie Jones, 19 James Schiller, 20 Wilson De Courcey, 21 Kyle McCarthy, 22 Francis Manuleleua, 23 Connor Votano.
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