Coach Nathan Brown confirmed prior to Friday's captain's run that young winger Cory Denniss will make his NRL debut this Saturday at Hunter Stadium.
Akuila Uate was named in the starting line-up however has been ruled out due to injury.
"Cory is a young local kid with a nice natural awareness of the game," the coach said on Friday morning.
"He has a nice natural awareness for the game and he's a player who we have a lot of confidence in. In the future he's a long term prospect for us."
Denniss has slotted into NRL training well in the lead up to the Round 3 match and has adapted to a higher level of intensity.
"I think he is quite aware of the people who are coming at him. He just has to do the things that have earned him a game."
"We're confident he will do a good job, being a young kid he will probably have his nerves, but he'll handle it and will make a good account of himself.
"He's a laid back kind of kid and I'm sure he'll be fine. Whatever happens, he'll grow with this game and as the year develops, he'll keep improving."
Denniss is set to become player number #270 at the Newcastle Knights.
#Mullo200
To celebrate Jarrod Mullen’s 200th NRL game, the Knights will hand out free special edition #Mullo200 try cards to the first 5000 people through the gate. Keep your eyes on the sky during the game for collectable #Mullo200 muscle tees that will be fired into the crowd.
ROUND 3
Newcastle Knights v Canberra Raiders
Date: Saturday March 19
Gates open: 12.30pm
NYC: 12.40pm
Reserve Grade: 2.40pm
NRL: 5pm
TICKETS
Online: ticketmaster.com.au
Phone: 136 100
In Person: Any ticketmaster box office
