nib Newcastle Knights coach Nathan Brown has named a new-look team for the Round 16 clash against the Warriors on Saturday.
With Kalyn Ponga (calf) injured, Connor Watson lines up at fullback for the McDonald Jones Stadium match-up.
Hymel Hunt slides out onto the wing for Edrick Lee who is sidelined with a broken arm and the versatile Kurt Mann slots into the centres for what will be his 100th NRL game.
Mason Lino retains his place in the halves alongside Mitchell Pearce with Danny Levi returning from an ankle injury and straight into the starting side.
Round 16: The force is strong with this team
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Jacob Saifiti will make his first NRL appearance for 2019, replacing twin brother Daniel who is on State of Origin duty with New South Wales.
James Gavet also starts in the front row with David Klemmer moving to lock while Tim Glasby is in camp with Queensland.
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Pasami Saulo joins the bench in jersey 17 with Aidan Guerra 18th man.
Development player Tex Hoy makes his first appearance on an NRL team sheet as part of an extended bench which includes Tautau Moga and Canterbury Cup backrower Brodie Jones.
NRL TEAM
1. Connor Watson - O'Bryan Electrical & Solar
2. Hymel Hunt - Wellman Strata
3. Kurt Mann - BSC
4. Jesse Ramien - Newcastle Financial Planning Group
5. Shaun Kenny-Dowall - Triple M
What's your hidden talent?
6. Mason Lino - M&J Chickens
7. Mitchell Pearce - Brydens Lawyers
8. James Gavet - Mine Super
9. Danny Levi - Redicrete
10. Jacob Saifiti - Kelly Trotter Motor Group
11. Lachlan Fitzgibbon - Port Hunter Conveyors
12. Sione Mata'utia - NBN
Injury Report: Lee injury blow, Ponga update, Levi return
13. David Klemmer - Jennings Print
Interchange:
14. Jamie Buhrer - Triple M
15. Herman Ese'ese - Kelly Trotter Motor Group
16. Josh King - O'Bryan Electrical & Solar
17. Pasami Saulo - Port Hunter Conveyors
18. Aidan Guerra
19. Brodie Jones
20. Tex Hoy
21. Tautau Moga
DETAILS
Saturday, July 6 at McDonald Jones Stadium
NRL kick-off: 7.35pm
