Recovery Report: Squad nearing full strength

The nib Newcastle Knights may be north of the border in quarantine, but that won’t stop you from hearing the latest out of the recovery unit.

Brought to you by Allara Learning, this is the Round 21 Recovery Report.

MITCHELL PEARCE

After a busy few weeks in the Recovery Unit, Pearce has been named in the  No.7 for tonight’s clash with Brisbane.

Pearce sustained the hamstring strain at training in the lead up to Round 18, however according to Head of Physical Performance Balin Cupples, Pearce has trained strongly and is 100% fit for tonight.

“Junior has moved through a comprehensive rehabilitation program in the last few weeks,” Cupples said.

“The good news is ‘Ju’ trained strongly with the team this week and will take his place in the side tonight.”

JAYDEN BRAILEY

An absentee from this week’s team sheet, Brailey will miss his first game since 2020 after missing just 30 minutes of NRL football all season.

A highly consistent talent who gets through mountains of work in the middle, Cupples said Brailey has more than earned a rest this week.

“We opted to rest Jayden this week off the back of a highly intensive season which has seen him play every game,” he said.

“Jayden gets through a really high defensive workload every week and with the four-day turnaround, we thought resting him was the best option.”

PASAMI SAULO

The front rower suffered a serious leg injury in Wagga earlier this season, however, Saulo has impressed everyone with his tenacity while in rehabilitation.

In terrific news for the squad, Saulo has now completed is recovery and is ready to return.

“Pasami has come through a long road to recovery and it’s been extremely rewarding to see him come out the other side,” Cupples said.

“Pasami is now available for selection after completing full training with the squad for a number of weeks, and we’re really excited to see Pasami back out on the park and pushing for selection through his training.”