Connor Watson has been ruled out of Friday's match against the Wests Tigers at McDonald Jones Stadium.
Watson failed to complete nib Newcastle Knights training on Thursday due to a reoccurring groin issue.
He will be replaced in the halves by Jack Cogger.
Coach Nathan Brown has also trimmed the extended bench ahead of the Round 21 NRL match by culling Luke Yates from the bench.
While Kalyn Ponga didn't train with the team during captains run, he is expected to take his place in the side.
Brown will confirm his final 17 one hour before kick-off.
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TEAM
1. Kalyn Ponga
2. Ken Sio
3. Sione Mata'utia
4. Cory Denniss
5. Shaun Kenny-Dowall
20. Jack Cogger
7. Mitchell Pearce ©
8. Herman Ese'ese
9. Danny Levi
10. Daniel Saifiti
11. Lachlan Fitzgibbon
12. Mitch Barnett
13. Aidan Guerra
14. Jamie Buhrer ©
15. Chris Heighington
16. Josh King
17. JJ Felise
18. Nick Meaney
19. Sam Stone
Friday, August 3 – Round 21
Newcastle Knights v Wests Tigers
Kick-off: 6pm
Venue: McDonald Jones Stadium
