nib Newcastle Knights NRL Head Coach Adam O'Brien has named a 22-man squad for their Indigenous Round clash against the Penrith Panthers at McDonald Jones Stadium this Friday.
The side will wear the 2025 Indigenous Round jersey to honour the occasion, which features a striking design that represents connection, strength, and cultural identity, crafted by local Indigenous artist Renae Lamb. Read more here.
In team news, mid-season recruit Jakob Arthur will make his Club debut against the Panthers after being named in the No.6 jumper.
The versatile half arrived from Manly during the season having already played 27 NRL games, while is set to become Knight No.362.
Furthermore, Bradman Best returns from injury in the centres while young forward Elijah Salesa-Leaumoana joins the bench.
In a couple of personal milestones for the squad, Jayden Brailey is to set to reach his 150th game in the NRL while Tyson Frizell will run-out for his 100th game at the Knights.
Here's everything you need to know ahead of gameday this Friday.
See the squad below:
Team List
1. Dane Gagai (C) - East Coast Building and Pest
2. Dom Young - Palmerbet
3. Fletcher Hunt - Taylors Outdoor Power Equipment
4. Bradman Best - Caltex
5. Greg Marzhew - Newcastle Airport
6. Jakob Arthur - Hunter City Motor Group
7. Jack Cogger - M&J Chickens
8. Jacob Saifiti - Honeywell Capital
9. Jayden Brailey - Allara Learning
10. Leo Thompson - NBN News
11. Jermaine McEwen - Bella Group Services
12. Kai Pearce-Paul - Etch Couriers
13. Phoenix Crossland - Sydney Direct Fresh Produce
Interchange:
14. Tom Cant - Guardian Safety Solutions
15. Mat Croker - Greg Tapp Printing
16. Tyson Frizell (C) - Hunter Imaging
17. Elijah Salesa-Leaumoana - Dandelion House
Extended Bench:
18. Tyson Gamble
19. Jackson Hastings
20. Kyle McCarthy
21. Jack Hetherington
22. Matthew Arthur
Details
Match: Knights v Panthers
Round 23 -
home Team
Knights
16th Position
away Team
Panthers
4th Position
Venue: McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle
