nib Newcastle Knights coach Adam O’Brien has named his NRL team for the season opener.
The Knights host the Warriors at McDonald Jones Stadium with Kurt Mann in the hotly contested No.6 jersey.
With Bradman Best recovering from an ankle injury and Tautau Moga playing Canterbury Cup, Enari Tuala and Gehamat Shibasaki line-up in the centres to make their Knights debuts.
Pearce: Captain's challenge and Warriors threat
Kalyn Ponga is at fullback in what will be his 50th NRL game, with Jayden Brailey donning the No.9 jersey for the first time.
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Herman Ese'ese will start the game at lock, which means Mitch Barnett starts in the backrow while Sione Mata'utia recovers from a knee injury.
Jacob Saifiti joins Tim Glasby, Aidan Guerra and Connor Watson on the bench.
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NRL TEAM
1. Kalyn Ponga brought to you by - East Coast Building and Pest
2. Edrick Lee brought to you by - Reflections Holiday Parks
3. Enari Tuala brought to you by - O'Bryan Electrical & Solar
4. Gehamat Shibasaki brought to you by - Westfield Kotara
5. Hymel Hunt brought to you by - Kelly Suzuki Cardiff
6. Kurt Mann brought to you by - Greg Tapp Printing
7. Mitchell Pearce brought to you by - Wellman Strata
8. David Klemmer brought to you by - M&J Chickens
9. Jayden Brailey
10. Daniel Saifiti brought to you by - Port Hunter Conveyors
11. Lachlan Fitzgibbon
12. Mitch Barnett brought to you by - MusclePharm
13. Herman Ese'ese brought to you by - Allara Learning
Interchange:
14. Connor Watson brought to you by - NBN News
15. Jacob Saifiti brought to you by - Mine Super
16. Tim Glasby brought to you by - Triple M 102.9
17. Aidan Guerra brought to you by - Brydens Lawyers
18. Pasami Saulo
19. Starford To'a
20. Mason Lino
21. Brodie Jones
DETAILS
Date: Saturday, March 14
Gates open: 12.30pm
Jersey Flegg: N/A
Canterbury Cup: 12:40pm
NRL kick-off: 3pm
