19-year-old Diesel Hagan looms as Holbrook's grand final wildcard
Knights coach Justin Holbrook is keeping quiet about whether uncapped 19-year-old hooker Diesel Hagan will start Sunday's grand final against the Roosters.
Harrison Graham is listed to start at hooker, replacing Phoenix Crossland, who got a four-game ban for a hip-drop tackle. Holbrook said Hagan just might be moved into the starting role.
At his press conference the night before the grand final, Holbrook grinned and said, "That's probably my only secret. I've got to keep something quiet; I share everything else."
Hagan, 19, came from the Denman Devils in the Upper Hunter and was captain of the NSW under-19 team this season, winning the Blues' player-of-the-year award. The Knights beat the odds in all three finals games, knocking out Souths, beating Warriors at Eden Park, and eliminating Penrith.
- 19 years old
- Hagan's age
- Phoenix Crossland, four-game ban
- Player replaced
- Denman Devils, Upper Hunter
- Home town
- 2028
- Joining full roster
Why it mattersSelection calls in a grand final can decide the match, and a teenager at hooker is a huge tactical gamble.
AustraliaNewcastle's grand final push is one of the biggest storylines in Australian rugby league right now.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 53 min ago
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