Justin Holbrook has transformed the Newcastle Knights into a potent attacking force, marking a significant shift from their struggles in 2025. The team's performance has been nothing short of remarkable, with a 62-point improvement in points scored compared to the previous season, and they've already surpassed their 2025 total by more than double. Holbrook's strategic prowess is evident in his ability to integrate Dylan Brown into the team's spine, resulting in an attractive and dynamic attacking style of play. The Knights' attack has improved dramatically, with a 50-try count this season, compared to 61 tries in the entire 2025 season. This turnaround is further emphasized by their positive margin after 10 rounds, a stark contrast to the negative margin they faced in 2025. The team's efficiency in converting field position into points is exceptional, with a +113% improvement in expected points compared to actual points scored. This efficiency is underscored by their ability to score tries from their own half, with the second-longest distance from the start of a play to a try in the NRL this season. The Knights' attacking prowess is further supported by their wide playing style, with 47.6% of play the balls occurring outside the middle third of the field, ranking third in the competition. The team's youthfulness is another positive aspect, with the fourth-lowest minute-weighted average age in the NRL, indicating a promising trajectory for future success. However, the defense has taken a step back under Holbrook, with opponents playing the ball on tackle one almost 40 meters from their own line, and the team conceding tries on slightly over a third of normal sets started past halfway. Despite these defensive shortcomings, the Knights' attacking prowess and strategic improvements under Holbrook have turned them into a force to be reckoned with in the NRL.
