New signing Travis Waddell will make his Newcastle debut against Wests Tigers on Monday after being named in Wayne Bennett’s side for the Knights’ NRL season opener at Ausgrid Stadium.
The former Canberra hooker will take his spot in the team after Matt Hilder was ruled out for up to a month with a thumb injury.
Danny Buderus is also sidelined with a back injury.
The Knights’ other new signings Anthony Quinn, Beau Scott, Jeremy Smith and David Fa’alogo have all been selected in an 18-man squad.
Newcastle: Darius Boyd, James McManus, Dane Gagai, Anthony Quinn, Akuila Uate, Jarrod Mullen, Kurt Gidley (capt), Kade Snowden, Travis Waddell, Willie Mason, Beau Scott, Chris Houston, Jeremy Smith Interchange: Tyrone Roberts, Neville Costigan, Robbie Rochow, Alex McKinnon, David Fa’alogo (one to be omitted)