After almost six months on the sidelines, Newcastle Knights favourite Fletcher Sharpe is “ready to rip into” 2026.

The Cessnock Goannas product was one of the many players who returned to training this past week under the watchful eye of new coach Justin Holbrook.

And, from the look upon his face, he’s more than happy to be there.

The 21-year-old suffered a ruptured spleen and a lacerated kidney after landing heavily on a ball while playing in Perth against the Dolphins in June.

Some medical experts described his injury as one usually sustained in a car accident.

“It’s exciting to be back,” Sharpe said.

“It has been a little bit of a journey.

“But, returning to the field with the boys is all worth it.

“It was a little bit hairy for a moment, considering it occurred in a straightforward tackle.

“Honestly, I just felt like I winded myself.

“If it wasn’t for the head knock, and going off for a HIA, I probably would have stayed on.

“However, throughout the night, things got progressively worse.

“The doctors and medical staff [here] did a great job.

“They got me straight to the hospital… to stop the bleeding and followed the protocols there.

“They walked me through every step of the way, so I’m forever grateful to everyone involved.

“While it wasn’t a great outcome, I’m out the other side now.

“Obviously, it rocks you a little bit.

“But, I don’t live in the past… I like to kind of stay in the present and keep moving forward.

“I’m in a good head space now and ready to play footy again.”

While Sharpe’s making strides in his recovery, he hasn’t resumed full contact yet.

However, he’s confident of being 100% for round one when Newcastle ventures to Las Vegas for a showdown with the Cowboys.

“I’ve got to see the doctor again and get the clearance for that [contact],” the speedster said.

“We’ve set it up for monthly examinations, check-ups with the specialist and CT scans… stuff like that.

“But, they’re all happy with the way it’s progressing.

“Obviously, it is a slow process… I’ll focus on the running and skill stuff in the meantime.

“And, I’ll continue to tick things off the list.

“However, if all goes well, I’ll be back fully-healed by the time Christmas comes around.”

With off-season recruits Dylan Brown and Sandon Smith joining the Knights, and superstar fullback Kalyn Ponga fighting fit, Sharpe’s unsure of where he fits into the new-look outfit.

“I’ll go wherever the team needs me,” he said.

“Whatever my role can best suit the side, the way we want to play, that’s where I’ll put my hand up.

“We’ve picked up some great players, but that makes it more exciting.

“Guys fighting for positions in the same important roles.

“That creates a good competitive nature around training, with games.

“It makes every person in the building better.

“I’m looking forward to working alongside Dylan and seeing how we can combine.

“He’s a class player, someone who creates a lot of things out of nothing.

“Plus, he’s been killing it for New Zealand (in the Pacific Championships).

“But, I’m also super excited to work with Justin.

“He seems like a great bloke.

“He’s got a great attacking mind, so that’s where I love playing footy.

“I love having the ball in my hand.

“So, I’m keen to see what kind of things we come up with, what ideas we can do as a team.

“Ultimately, I just want to get out there on the paddock and, hopefully, transfer it into some wins.”

One positive for Sharpe, during the tough times, was enjoying some “downtime” in his beloved hometown.

“I wasn’t really in Cessnock for the first three months due to hospital, doctor visits,” he said.

“However, I love getting back there… it keeps me grounded.

“So, I’ve made up for it now.

“To be honest, I would not want to be brought up anywhere else in the world.

“I love getting out there, away from the hustle and bustle.

“Plus, Cessnock boasts a great community.

“When you’re going well, and even when you’re not, there’s always plenty of support for me, which I really appreciate.”

For more sports stories:

• The 13 ‘biggest’ questions for NEWRL in 2026
• Brisbane puts boot into disappointing Jets
• Sharpe predicts ‘big things’ from Knights youngster Hopwood

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