Tex Hoy returns to the 20s competition this Friday after two games in the Intrust Super Premiership NSW.
Hoy replaces Phoenix Crossland to slot into the halves alongside Hayden Loughrey, as Newcastle host Parramatta at McDonald Jones Stadium.
Kurtis Dark, Tevita Alifa and Pasami Saulo also return after a stint in ISP.
Dark slots into the backrow in place of Ben Talty, Saulo returns to the no. 10, while Alifa has been named on the bench.
Casualty ward: Ponga progress, Griffin surgery
TEAM
1.Matt Cooper, 2. Justin Worley, 3. Heath Gibbs, 4. Mitch Andrews, 5. Elijah Rasiga, 6. Hayden Loughrey, 7. Tex Hoy, 8. Jirah Momoisea, 9. Tom Starling, 10. Pasami Saulo, 11. Kurtis Dark, 12. Brandon Russell, 13. Mat Croker. Interchange. 14. Luke Huth, 15. Henry Fuimaono, 16. Tevita Alifa, 17. Ben Talty
Friday, July 13 – Round 18 Jersey Flegg
Newcastle Knights v Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs
ISP kick-off: 5.45pm
Venue: McDonald Jones Stadium
Meanwhile, the ISP NSW side has the bye this weekend.
