Former Dragons forward Jack Stockwell looms as the only likely new face in Newcastle's team to tackle the Warriors in round one at Hunter Stadium in eight days.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Coach Rick Stone indicated the towering 23-year-old Picton Magpies product was in contention for a bench spot behind probable starting props Kade Snowden and Korbin Sims.
Of Newcastle's other major off-season recruits, utility forward Tariq Sims (Cowboys) is suspended until round five and utility Carlos Tuimavave (Warriors) is nursing an ankle injury suffered at the Auckland Nines four weeks ago.
Former Canberra prop Sam Mataora, who joined the Knights midway through last season, is expected to play NSW Cup in the opening round.
"We've got a couple of decisions to make, with Dave Fa'alogo, Chris Houston, Jack and young Joey Tapine," Stone said.
"They're probably all in the mix around the bench, so I've got a couple of decisions to make around that. He's definitely done enough to deserve a position so we'll just see how everyone balances up next week then make a few tough decisions."
Stockwell played at the Nines then came off the bench in their 26-4 victory over Canberra in the trial at Queanbeyan last Saturday.
"It's been really good since I've been up here. Pre-season's been really great with the boys and with Stoney and the coaching staff," Stockwell said.
"There's a lot of little skills I've worked on, and my fitness is one of the big things we've worked on, and just beefing me up, so I'm feeling pretty confident.
"The trial against Canberra was a good hit-out and all the boys played really well. That showed us just how good a pre-season we've had, and that's going to lead us into the Warriors next week so hopefully I'm in the team and can represent the red and blue for the first time."
Stockwell, who turned 23 earlier this month, has played 35 games since making his NRL debut in 2012. In his only NRL appearance at Hunter Stadium, he came off the bench in a 14-8 Dragons victory in 2013, but that was not his first trip to Turton Road.
"I've played here a couple of times in my youth, back in the day playing schoolboy footy and stuff like that, and I've always loved playing here," he said.
"It's a good ground and a good place to play footy.
"I won't be getting booed this time. I'll be getting cheers from now on."
Stockwell said he felt immediately welcome when he arrived in Newcastle last October.
In his days at St George Illawarra, he commuted from his home in Picton to Dragons territory, and spent childhood holidays at a beach-side caravan park in Wollongong's northern suburbs.
One of his closest friends is Alex McKinnon, who played in the same Dragons junior squads and St Gregory's College Campbelltown teams, and in the Rise For Alex round last July he wore the No.16 jersey as a personal tribute to his great mate.
"It's pretty similar here to where I've been. They're both great clubs," he said.
"I've really enjoyed coming to the Knights, meeting all the fans on fan day and seeing how all the boys interact at training. It's a great culture and a great club."
Stone said Stockwell, who has signed a three-year deal with the Knights, was quickly accepted by his new team-mates and coaches.
"He's a quality young bloke to start with, which makes it a bit easier," Stone said.
"He's only a young fellow but he's played 30-odd games, and he's still got a big future ahead of him. He's got a good frame, a good motor, he's fairly intelligent and he's fitted in really well.
"He's really likeable and he's easy to get on with, and because he's intelligent he's fairly coachable, and he's fitted in like he's been here his whole life."
