Justin Holbrook stays coy on Diesel Hagan grand final start

Newcastle Knights coach Justin Holbrook kept his grand final selection cards close to his chest, grinning and declining to confirm whether uncapped teenager Diesel Hagan will be thrust into the starting lineup at Accor Stadium on Sunday night. The unfolding selection drama ahead of the NRL Grand Final between the Newcastle Knights and the Sydney Roosters followed a rumour floated by club icon Andrew Johns. While Harrison Graham is listed to start at hooker in place of the suspended Phoenix Crossland, Johns suggested that the rookie could be a shock inclusion in the starting side.

Holbrook Keeps Selection Secret As Johns Floats Rookie Rumour

During his grand final eve press conference, Justin Holbrook acknowledged that Hagan would join the six-man bench for Sunday’s premiership decider. However, the Knights coach refused to clarify his exact plans for the starting dummy-half role. That’s probably my only secret, Holbrook grinned, adding I’ve got to keep something quiet; I share everything else. Hagan, a 19-year-old product of the Denman Devils in the Upper Hunter, co-captained the New South Wales under-19 team this season and earned Blues player of the year honours. Although he is currently on a development deal before joining the top-30 roster in 2028, Holbrook noted that the teenager is confident and ready if called upon.

Graham Prepares To Fill Massive Shoes For Suspended Crossland

Harrison Graham enters Sunday’s match tasked with replacing Phoenix Crossland, who received a four-match suspension at the NRL judiciary on September 29, 2026, following a hip-drop tackle on Nathan Cleary during Newcastle’s preliminary final victory over the Penrith Panthers. Graham and Crossland have formed a close friendship since Graham arrived at the club last summer, spending time off the field together and sharing coffee. He’s been our best player all year so if he’s not playing I’ve massive shoes to fill, Graham told NRL.com. I want to do him and the club proud. Graham stepped into the No. 9 role after Crossland was sent off against Penrith, helping steer the 12-man Knights to a stunning upset.

Holbrook Dismisses Claims That Prelim Was the Real Final

Newcastle arrives at the NRL Grand Final having defied bookmakers in three finals games, eliminating the Rabbitohs, defeating the Warriors at Eden Park, and overcoming the powerhouse Panthers. Addressing commentary that Newcastle played its actual grand final against Penrith last week, Holbrook dismissed the narrative in his press conference. Well, the response would be it was a prelim. It wasn’t a grand final. We know that, Holbrook said. The coach emphasised that his squad remains focused entirely on Sunday’s fixture as they chase a fairytale premiership rise from last season’s wooden spoon.

Kick-Off Scheduled At Accor Stadium On Sunday Night

The NRL Grand Final between the Newcastle Knights and the Sydney Roosters kicks off at 7:30 pm on Sunday night, live from Accor Stadium in Sydney. The match will be broadcast live on Nine, 9Now, and Sky Sports NZ, with the final whistle set to crown this season’s premiership winner.