EXCLUSIVE: Andrew Johns questions 'gamble' as NRL great Luke Keary poised to join Knights staff

Andrew Johns says it would be a "gamble" for the Knights to employ Luke Keary, with the former Roosters and Rabbitohs premiership winner being headhunted to work on the club's attack.

Keary has only just retired from rugby league after a stint with Catalans Dragons but could link up with Justin Holbrook. Holbrook was an assistant at the Roosters during Keary's time there, and recently signed on as head coach of the Knights.

The 33-year-old Keary is reportedly keen to link with the Knights but wants to spend summer travelling with his family.

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Keary hasn't coached before which is why the approach from the Knights has "surprised" Johns.

"Luke was a very smart player but it's his first coaching gig," he said on Wide World of Sports' Immortal Behaviour.

"I worked with Luke back in the day, he's a real student of the game, it's an interesting one. It's a bit of a gamble because it's the unknown ... he's got a big job (if he takes it)."

Johns added Keary and Holbrook would be on the same page with their philosophies towards league but said the important factor is who plays in the spine.

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Kalyn Ponga, Dylan Brown and Fletcher Sharpe are all expected to fit into the spine, while Sandon Smith is on the verge of signing with Newcastle too.

The talk around the Knights is Pheonix Crossland will move to lock, while Tyson Gamble is also still contracted until the end of 2026. Jack Cogger is reportedly set to return to Penrith while Jackson Hastings has been cut loose.

"Who plays seven, who plays six, who plays 9? We don't know yet," Johns said.

"The interesting one is Dylan Brown plays for the Kiwis, he won't be back until January. It's going to be tough.

"Once you decide, then every session, every minute of every session, they're locked in. You need repetition. It's a big job."

Johns was asked how Keary could unlock Newcastle's attack after an abysmal year.

Johns formerly worked as a halves consultant with the club but no longer does.

"Firstly you've got to look at the strength of the team, and to start with you're going to have an inexperienced halfback, if they go with Dylan Brown," he said.

"I'd imagine early in the year it's about high completion rates, no errors coming out of trouble, kick to the corners and defend really strong until the team works out their natural style.

"I'd imagine their right side with Dylan Lucas is going to be a go to with him in the back row. I still don't think they've unlocked Bradman (Best) enough. Obviously give the ball to Kalyn in space.

"It was interesting at the start of last year, similar to Penrith, where they split their halves and let Kalyn play in the middle ... he swung and played (both sides), it looked dynamite but then for some reason it changed. Just give him the ball, he's the best player, give him the ball."

The Knights finished last this season.