NRL Squad Update: Round 27

nib Newcastle Knights NRL Head Coach Adam O'Brien has reduced the squad to 19 for their Sunday afternoon clash against the Parramatta Eels at CommBank Stadium.

In team news, Leo Thompson has withdrawn from the squad. The prop forward has returned to New Zealand on compassionate grounds due to personal reasons.

Tyson Frizell shifts to the front-row while Mat Croker joins the run-on side at lock forward.

Young forward Cody Hopwood will make his NRL debut off the bench against the Eels.

A West Maitland Wallaroos junior, Hopwood has progressed through the pathways system to become Knight No.364.

See the squad below:

Team List

1. Fletcher Hunt - East Coast Building and Pest

2. Dom Young - Palmerbet

3. Dane Gagai (C) - 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. Phoenix Crossland - Allara Learning

13. Tyson Frizell (C) - Sydney Direct Fresh Produce

11. Jermaine McEwen - Bella Group Services

12. Kai Pearce-Paul - Etch Couriers

15. Mat Croker - Greg Tapp Printing

Interchange:

14. Jayden Brailey - Guardian Safety Solutions

16. Tom Cant - Hunter Imaging

17. Elijah Salesa-Leaumoana - Dandelion House

19. Cody Hopwood - NBN News

Extended Bench:

18. James Schiller

22. Lachlan Crouch

Details