Newcastle coach Wayne Bennett has announced his team for next Thursday’s NRL season-opener against St George Illawarra, with four recruits given starting spots.
Clive Churchill medal winner Darius Boyd, who followed Bennett from the Dragons in the off-season, has been named at fullback while returning champion Danny Buderus will start at hooker alongside front-row recruits Kade Snowden and Adam Cuthbertson.
As expected, Boyd’s inclusion at No.1 pushes skipper Kurt Gidley into the halves where he will partner former NSW representative Jarrod Mullen for the clash at Hunter Stadium.
Lock Neville Costigan said the club is well prepared for the upcoming season after a torrid pre-season under Bennett – culminating in a physical trial victory over Cronulla last weekend.
Costigan said Cuthbertson and Snowden impressed Bennett with their performances against the Sharks’ pack.
“Kade and Cuthbertson up front went well against them. Wayne was pretty happy as well,” Costigan told AAP.
“They’ve got good size and just their work ethic has been good.
“It was a bit physical against the Sharks. It was certainly a good hit-out before the season starts.”
Costigan insists the Knights are yet to set long-term goals for the year, with bookmakers installing them second favourites for the title after Bennett’s arrival.
“We haven’t really talked about what we want to achieve for the season yet,” he said.
“But I think all the boys have goals and that sort of stuff.”
Newcastle fans will be hoping Boyd will have a similar impact at the Knights as he did in the red and white at the Dragons, with Costigan predicting he would have an instant effect on the likes of wingers Akuila Uate and James McManus.
“His talk has helped us, especially in the trials,” he said.
“Last year, hardly any of the boys spoke on the field.
“Because he’s getting a bit of a role as a senior player, and he’s playing rep footy, he’s taught the backs heaps here already.”
Team: Darius Boyd, James McManus, Wes Naiqama, Timana Tahu, Akuila Uate, Kurt Gidley, Jarrod Mullen, Kade Snowden, Danny Buderus, Adam Cuthbertson, Chris Houston, Zeb Taia, Neville Costigan. Interchange: Matt Hilder, Richie Fa’aoso, Joel Edwards, Alex McKinnon.
