Knights Unveil Halves Combination for Crucial Pre-Season Clash
The Newcastle Knights have made a significant selection call ahead of their final pre-season trial, naming Sandon Smith to partner marquee signing Dylan Brown in the halves for Saturday's encounter with the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs at McDonald Jones Stadium.
Smith Gets Nod Alongside Brown as Sharpe Moves to Fullback
Coach Justin Holbrook has opted to retain Smith in the halfback jersey, where he started in last week's 28-18 loss to the St George Illawarra Dragons. This decision comes with Brown returning to the side after missing the opening trial, solidifying the likely starting combination for the regular season.
Fletcher Sharpe, who played five-eighth against the Dragons, has been shifted to fullback in place of Kalyn Ponga. Sharpe is no stranger to the position, having covered for Ponga in recent seasons due to injuries. Ponga will sit out the 6pm match as he continues his recovery from a foot issue, aiming to regain full fitness.
Key Absences and Returning Stars Bolster Knights Lineup
The Knights will be without experienced centre Dane Gagai, who is nursing a hamstring injury sustained in recent weeks. However, the side welcomes back several key players who missed the first trial, adding depth and experience.
- Winger Dominic Young returns after recovering from a broken foot suffered during last year's Ashes series.
- Centre Bradman Best and hooker Phoenix Crossland are back in the squad following representative duties.
- Back-rowers Dylan Lucas and Jermaine McEwen have been named, with McEwen on an extended 10-man bench.
Prop Trey Mooney is absent due to commitments with the Maori All Stars team ahead of Sunday's representative fixture in New Zealand. In his place, Tyson Frizell will start in the front row, with Mat Croker slotting in at lock.
Injury Updates and Pre-Season Twists Add Intrigue
The Knights are managing a few injury concerns as the season opener in Las Vegas on March 1 approaches. Young forward Cody Hopwood, who missed the first trial with a calf injury, will not feature against the Bulldogs. His availability for the Vegas clash remains uncertain.
In a twist of fate, former Knights forward Kai Pearce-Paul could make a return to McDonald Jones Stadium in different colours. Now with the Wests Tigers, Pearce-Paul is part of their squad for the opening trial against the Sydney Roosters, which kicks off an NRL double-header at 3:50pm on Saturday.
Other familiar faces potentially in action include Upper Hunter products Jock Madden (Tigers) and Fletcher Baker (Bulldogs), both of whom were part of Brisbane's squad last season.
Bulldogs Name Strong Side for Newcastle Encounter
The Bulldogs have selected a near full-strength starting lineup for the trial, looking to build momentum after a 34-40 loss to the North Queensland Cowboys in their first hit-out. Hunter product Max King will start in the front row, while former Knights Enari Tuala and Kurt Mann are included in Cameron Ciraldo's 26-man match squad.
This trial serves as a crucial final tune-up for both clubs before the NRL season commences, with the Knights eager to fine-tune their combinations ahead of the historic Las Vegas opener.
