Shaun Kenny-Dowall is available for Round 1.
The nib Newcastle Knights winger missed the final trial of the pre-season after rolling his ankle at training but has been cleared of any damage and resumed full training.
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“Skids was a late scratching, just went over on his ankle and then precautionary, that close to a trial game,” Head of Physical Performance, Balin Cupples said.
“He’ll re-join the main squad on Saturday and feed forward with the squad.
“Heading into Round 1, we’re pretty healthy.”
The news is also good for Hymel Hunt.
The outside back was unable for any trial games due to a hamstring complaint.
The 25-year-old has since recovered and will be available for selection ahead of the Knights’ season opener against Cronulla at McDonald Jones Stadium.
“Hymel was touch and go for the trial. We probably could’ve played him with limited minutes but in the context of the game and the bigger picture into competition, he came through a really comprehensive hamstring protocol,” Cupples explained.
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“He’s back in with the full team. He’s come through two sessions and he’ll roll into Round 1 prep with the rest of the squad.”
Unfortunately for Mason Lino, the halfback will miss the opening weeks of the 2019 competition.
Lino damaged his PCL playing in the reserve grade trial match last week.
“He came down awkwardly on his knee and picked up a minor PCL strain,” Cupples said.
“Original diagnosis was going to be four weeks but in the last two to three days, he’s made major steps forward.
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“It’s probably a two to four-week injury.
“It’s only going to be a minor injury for him.”
Injured players and expected return dates:
Tautau Moga (ACL - Early Rounds)
Nathan Ross (Finger - Early Rounds)
Mason Lino (PCL - Early Rounds)
Jacob Saifiti (Leg - Early Rounds)
Slade Griffin (ACL - Indefinite)
Brayden Musgrove (ACL – Early Rounds)
