nib Newcastle Knights Head Coach Adam O'Brien has named his 22-man squad for their Round 5 fixture against the St George Illawarra Dragons at McDonald Jones Stadium this Friday night.
In team news, Leo Thompson returns to the squad after serving a one-game suspension, while Daniel Saifiti moves back to the interchange.
Jackson Hastings returns at halfback, lining up alongside Jack Cogger in the halves.
In the dummy-half role, Jayden Brailey has been named to start with Phoenix Crossland moving to the interchange.
Also, Dane Gagai is named to return in the centres after missing the clash against the Warriors.
The two sides will play for silverware on Friday night when they battle for the Alex McKinnon Cup.
An inspiring figure of both Clubs, McKinnon played 46 games for the red and blue over three seasons before his career came to an end in 2014 due to a spinal injury.
The Cup is contested on the first fixture of the season between the two Clubs.
Play your part and take your seat for Friday night. Tickets available here.
See the squad below:
TEAM LIST
1. Kalyn Ponga (C) - Greg Tapp Printing
2. Tom Jenkins - Allara Learning
3. Dane Gagai - DGI Trading
4. Bradman Best - Chill-Rite
5. Enari Tuala - PalmerBet
6. Jack Cogger - Guardian Safety Solutions
7. Jackson Hastings - Bella Group Services
8. Jacob Saifiti - Hunter City Motor Group
9. Jayden Brailey - East Coast Building & Pest Services
10. Leo Thompson - Hunter Imaging
11. Tyson Frizell - Wests
12. Kai Pearce-Paul - NBN News
13. Adam Elliott - Sydney Direct Fresh Produce
Interchange:
14. Phoenix Crossland - Taylors Outdoor Power Equipment
15. Daniel Saifiti - M&J Chickens
16. Jack Hetherington - Dandelion House
17. Mat Croker - Hardy's
Extended Bench:
18. Dylan Lucas
19. Jed Cartwright
20. Brodie Jones
21. Tyson Gamble
22. Tom Cant
DETAILS
Match: Knights v Dragons
Round 5 -
home Team
Knights
11th Position
away Team
Dragons
15th Position
Venue: McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle
