The 2025 NRL season is done and dusted but the rugby league news keeps rolling.
Follow all the latest developments in our Off Season Central.
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HOLBROOK SIGNS LEGEND IN COACHING OVERHAUL
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Justin Holbrook has reportedly made his first major move since taking over as Newcastle coach, signing Knights legend Danny Buderus as his assistant.
Buderus, who played 257 times for the Knights, has been working in a development role but according to CODE Sport will become Holbrook’s right hand man for the 2026 season.
“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 is part of a major backroom overhaul of the Knights following Adam O’Brien’ departure in the wake of a disastrous season which saw the side finish with the wooden spoon.
Buderus joins Brett White and Steve Hales as Holbrook’s main men in the Hunter.
O’Brien’s assistant Brian McDermott has moved to the Titans under rookie coach Josh Hannay while CODE Sports reports Blake Green is being courted by the Cowboys.
Danny Buderus will take on the role of assistant coach under Justin Holbrook.Source: Supplied
PANTHERS MOVE AFTER BEARS COACHING RAID
The Panthers have reportedly moved to replace outgoing assistant coach Ben Gardiner after his decision to join NRL expansion club the Perth Bears.
According to Peter Lang from the Western Weekender, Panthers NSW Cup coach Ben Harden has been promoted to serve as Ivan Cleary’s deputy. Jono Rolfe, the club’s Jersey Flegg coach, will move into the pathways system.
Gardiner announced in June he would be leaving the NRL powerhouse to join Mal Meninga’s coaching staff at the Perth Bears.
“I can’t wait to work closely with new people in Western Australia and build a hugely successful team over the next five years as we promote rugby league and grow the game,” Gardiner said at the time.