Newcastle Knights coach lived with assistants to build team culture

Newcastle Knights head coach Justin Holbrook shared a three-bedroom Airbnb in Merewether with assistant coaches Brett White and Steve Hales during the 2026 NRL pre-season. The arrangement, which lasted from October until the Christmas break, was intended to help the coaching staff build a cohesive philosophy and culture.

Holbrook noted that the constant communication and connection helped the team transform into the NRL’s biggest improver of the season. The coaching trio, who had worked together separately in the past but had never met, used the living arrangement to align their approach before leading the Knights into the finals.