Sandon Smith's move to the Newcastle Knights was initially predicated upon a positional switch, but the arrival of new coach Justin Holbrook has changed the conversation.
When Smith agreed to leave the Sydney Roosters earlier this month, reports suggested that he would transition from the halves into the club's starting hooker role.
The plan made sense at the time, with Jayden Brailey bound for Canberra and Phoenix Crossland expected to make a home at lock forward in 2026.
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But Nine Wide World of Sports has revealed Holbrook, who coached Smith at the Roosters, sees him as a genuine halfback option instead.
Holbrook's preference could reignite Smith's career in the halves, an area where Newcastle has struggled to find stability across multiple seasons.
After finishing with the wooden spoon this year, the Knights will welcome Dylan Brown from the Eels to play five-eighth.
With Kalyn Ponga and Fletcher Sharpe more naturally suited to the fullback position, there is no obvious candidate to partner Brown in the halves.
A potential Brown-Smith pairing would be an intriguing combination given the dearth of capable alternatives heading into the 2026 campaign.
Holbrook's belief in Smith stems from his performances during several key Roosters wins this year, filling in for the injury-riddled Sam Walker.
For Smith, the positional debate adds intrigue to what was already a bold career decision after rejecting a lucrative Cowboys contract.
North Queensland had reportedly offered a three-year $1.3 million deal to partner him with Tom Dearden, but Smith opted for Newcastle's opportunity instead.
Whether that opportunity comes at hooker or halfback remains to be seen, but Holbrook's backing strengthens his prospects as the club's number seven.
For now, Smith remains a versatile option capable of covering multiple roles, giving Holbrook flexibility as he reshapes Newcastle's spine for the future.