Nathan Brown has Tautau Moga earmarked for a Round 1 return from injury.
The nib Newcastle Knights centre has been sidelined with an ACL injury suffered in the early rounds of the 2018 season.
With Moga almost back to full training, Brown has revealed he expects the 25-year-old to play the opening round of the season in the ISP NSW competition.
“Tau got some really good news the other day,” Brown said.
Brown: Best playing group we've had
“He’s going to start doing a little bit more stuff with the team. (We’re) not expecting Tau to play until Round 1.
“That day, he’ll probably look to play half an hour in reserve grade.”
The Club is sitting nicely when it comes to the injury list.
Slade Griffin is still a long-term prospect as he recovers from an ACL injury but Jacob Saifiti is on the comeback trail from an ankle injury.
SoulTV with Pasami Saulo Ep.4
The prop started running last week after having surgery on his lower leg and according to Brown, like Moga, will push to get back for the opening round.
“Jakey is tracking along really well,” he said.
“He’s a fair way ahead of where we thought he would be.
“Hopefully he gets himself back in fulltime (training) soon. I don’t think he’ll be right for trials. He’s a bit like Tau, he’s going to be right for possibly Round 1.”