Coach Nathan Brown is hopeful of getting back Jarrod Mullen, Tyler Randell and Nathan Ross, who all suffered concussions last weekend, for Monday’s match against the Manly Sea Eagles.
“They are all going to the specialists today to get checked out, all signs indicating they will be okay to play but we will know more this afternoon,” Brown said.
Forward Jeremy Smith is set to return to play his 200th NRL match while hooker Danny Levi is on track to return from a back injury.
“Jeremy was more rested than unfit last week, with his age and where his body is at,” Brown said.
“The key is to give him a rest before he breaks so that he can get a whole year out of his last year, which is going pretty good for him so far.
“Danny got through a training session this morning, he will need to train again tomorrow and we would like to think he will play if he gets through that."
However the Knights will be without Pauli Pauil, who has a one-match suspension after accepting an early guilty plea on Tuesday.
“With injury and suspension we are struggling to get that bit of flow and consistency,” Brown explained.
“Pauli has had two now…he has to have a look at his technique and is definitely working hard on correcting it.
“His commitment can't be questioned, he is trying to do the right thing and he can get himself in situations that other players don’t get into because they are nowhere near the size of him.
“So a small look at his technique and modify one or two things. He is a good lad and doesn't deliberately go out of his way to do anything wrong.”
After the disappointment of last weekend in Brisbane, the side looks forward to what is set to be a big occasion at Hunter Stadium this ANZAC Day Monday.
“We have seen this year, two home games for a close win and a draw, that playing at home seems to be a good place for us," Brown said.
“The crowd that turned up last time was quite amazing for a team that was last on the ladder, to have 22,000 people was great, so if we can get that type of crowd on ANZAC Day it will definitely help.
“We are at home, it is a great occasion being ANZAC Day... it carries a lot of emotions for a lot of people for a lot of good reasons.”
Monday April 25 – Round 8
Newcastle Knights v Manly Sea Eagles
Gates open: 11.30am
NYC: 11.35am
ANZAC Ceremony: 1.50pm
NRL: 2pm
Venue: Hunter Stadium
Tickets: CLICK HERE
Game day information: CLICK HERE
ANZAC jersey: CLICK HERE
