nib Newcastle Knights Head Coach, Adam O'Brien, has named his 21-man squad for Thursday night's clash with Brisbane.
Mitchell Pearce will return to the team for the first time since Round 16 after recovering strongly from a hamstring complaint in recent weeks.
Pearce will partner Jake Clifford in the halves, with Clifford trotting out for his 50th NRL game.
Jayden Brailey has been rested, allowing Chris Randall to play his first NRL game since April.
Kalyn Ponga will captain the team for the first time, starting at fullback.
Watch: Enari Tuala's first career hat-trick
TEAM LIST:
1. Kalyn Ponga (c) - Allara Learning
2. Enari Tuala - A Plus Contracting
3. Kurt Mann - M&J Chickens
4. Bradman Best - East Coast Building and Pest
5. Hymel Hunt - Accolade Wines
6. Jake Clifford - Fast Fuel Meals
7. Mitchell Pearce - Kelly Suzuki Cardiff
8. Jacob Saifiti - Mine Super
9. Chris Randall - Musclepharm
10. Daniel Saifiti - Greg Tapp Printing
11. Tyson Frizell - Wellman Strata
12. Mitch Barnett - Hunter Imaging
13. Connor Watson - Brydens Lawyers
Interchange:
14. Sauaso Sue - Taylors Outdoor Power Equipment
15. David Klemmer - NBN News
16. Josh King - Triple M 102.9
17. Brodie Jones - Reflections Holiday Parks
Extended Bench:
18. Phoenix Crossland
19. Lachlan Fitzgibbon
20. Starford To'a
21. Jack Johns
Pearce: Upcoming return and building confidence
