nib Newcastle Knights coach Adam O’Brien has named his squad for our trial match in Maitland against St George Illawarra on Saturday.
The squad of 34 players are all expected to receive game time with the match to be played in quarters.
Veterans like Mitchell Pearce and David Klemmer will run out against the Dragons, while young guns Simi Sasagi, Luke Huth and Tex Hoy will also get an opportunity.
Pearce: Trial focus, Brailey combo and halves contenders
Bradman Best will miss the trial due to a fractured foot. The centre is poised to have surgery this week which will see him miss the early rounds of the season.
It’s a minor set-back for the teenage workhorse but his impressive work throughout the pre-season has him positioned well ahead of his return to play.
Phoenix Crossland was not considered due to a groin complaint, while Kalyn Ponga, Connor Watson and Pasami Saulo were unavailable due to representative selection.
Klemmer: Nines fallout and Dragons trial
NRL SQUAD
Tex Hoy, Hymel Hunt, Enari Tuala, Tyronne Roberts-Davis, Gehamat Shibasaki, Edrick Lee, Matt Soper-Lawler, Starford Toa, Mason Lino, Kurt Mann, Mitchell Pearce, Simi Sasagi, Bayden Searle, Lachlan Fitzgibbon, Aidan Guerra, Brodie Jones, Sione Mata’utia, Jirah Momoisea, Jayden Brailey, Luke Huth, Chris Randall, Mitch Barnett, Jack Cameron, Mathew Croker, Tim Glasby, Zac Hosking, David Klemmer, Brandon Russell, Daniel Saifiti, Jacob Saifiti, Josh King, Matt Cooper, Dylan Lucas, Mitch Black
DETAILS
Saturday February, 22 at Maitland No.1 Sportsground
Gates open: 1pm
Jersey Flegg kick-off: 1.30pm
Canterbury Cup kick-off: 3.15pm
NRL kick-off: 5.30pm
