Newcastle coach Justin Holbrook has reportedly made his first major move since taking the reins.
The Knights have been looking to shake up not only their playing roster, but also their coaching staff and Holbrook has made a move for his staff.
Holbrook and the Knights have appointed club legend Danny Buderus as his assistant.
Buderus, who made 257 appearances for the Knights during his playing career, has been serving in a development role but is now set to step into a key position on Holbrook’s coaching staff for the 2026 season, according to CODE Sports.
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“Firstly his character alone, in the way he always played the game, is what we need to instil into the group,” Holbrook said of Buderus’ appointment.
“He’s the most capped Knights player and I want to utilise him a lot more in terms of coaching.”
The move forms part of a broader backroom reshuffle following the departure of Adam O’Brien after a difficult campaign that saw Newcastle finish last and claim the wooden spoon.
Buderus will join Brett White and Steve Hales as part of Holbrook’s core coaching group in the Hunter. Meanwhile, O’Brien’s former assistant Brian McDermott has joined the Gold Coast Titans under rookie coach Josh Hannay, while CODE Sports reports that Blake Green is being pursued by the North Queensland Cowboys.