The opportunity to play at Allegiant Stadium for a second time is driving Newcastle recruit Sandon Smith in his battle for a place in the halves for the Knights season opener.
After three seasons at the Sydney Roosters, the 23-year-old made his first appearance in new colours in Saturday's Witzer Pre-Season Challenge loss to the Dragons.
The move to Newcastle opens a fresh chapter for Smith, who is eyeing his maiden competition game in a Knights jumper in the NRL's season opener in Las Vegas.
“I get this feeling that when we run out, that’ll be the first time in the colours,” Smith said.
Dragons v Knights – Week 1, 2026
“So what better way to do it than over in Vegas?”
Smith arrives in Newcastle having played 46 NRL games for the Roosters, largely as a back-up halfback or five-eighth, but now finds himself in line to partner marquee signing Dylan Brown in the halves as the Knights look to turn a new leaf in 2026.
With the club’s pre-season clash against the Dragons bringing the reality of Round 1 into focus, the Vegas countdown is well and truly on.
“It didn’t get spoken about for a while there, but it’s starting to ramp up now,” Smith said.
“We’ve had a few meetings about it. It’s obviously exciting, but we’ve been told we’re going over there for the two points, so that’s the main thing.”
James Schiller Try
The Knights will face North Queensland in the opening match of the NRL’s Vegas double-header, with Smith no stranger to the spectacle after featuring in the 2024 season opener as a utility for the Roosters.
While the spotlight will be firmly on the Knights in the US, questions remain around how Newcastle will best unleash their young playmaking talent, with Smith, Fletcher Sharpe, and Fletcher Hunt all pushing for roles under new coach Justin Holbrook.
For the 23-year-old, the competition is a positive sign.
“We’re still working on how we’re all going to fit on the field,” he said.
“I think we want three or four of us out there at the same time.
“It’s healthy competition. It pushes everyone, and I think it’ll be best for the team.”
Match: Dragons v Knights
Round 1 -
home Team
Dragons
1st Position
away Team
Knights
4th Position
Venue: Jubilee Stadium, Sydney
Smith had a try assist on Saturday night and did the bulk of the kicking as the primary playmaker, while Sharpe stuck to his natural game as a running five-eighth.
Holbrook was keeping his cards close to his chest post-game when quizzed about his preferred halves combination but fans will receive a clear indication on Tuesday afternoon when the coach names his squad for next week's clash with the Bulldogs.
Brown is on track to make his first appearance for the Knights, with the team list to provide an insight into Holbrook's plans for Las Vegas.
"I liked them, they both complemented each other well," Holbrook said. "We've got the trial next week so I'll have a look at the video [and make a decision]. Dylan Brown will play next week so I'll only have one of them to start there.
"I'll work that out in the next couple of days but I'm happy with whichever way we go. They've both very good players and I was happy with how they played. I thought we created some good opportunities in the first half when they were in the halves together and there's some good signs."
After battling for opportunities at the Roosters alongside Sam Walker and Hugo Savala, Smith is eager to continue developing his combination with Brown.
Las Vegas tactics: Knights
While they are yet to play an official match together, the playmaker can already see the benefits of training alongside his new teammate.
It's a combination, he hopes, will prove to be a long and successful one.
“Dyl’s been really good. He’s a very calm head,” Smith said.
“He doesn’t get flustered too easily, and that’s been really good for me.”
