Controversial Newcastle Tautau Moga is set to play his first NRL game in 467 days on Friday night when he comes off the bench against the Bulldogs at McDonald Jones Stadium.
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The Newcastle Herald has learned Moga will be a shock late inclusion in the Knights' 17-man squad for the game.
He hasn't played in the top grade since suffering a serious knee injury against St George Illawarra at WIN Stadium in Wollongong in round four on April 1 last year.
He was forced to undergo a knee reconstruction, his fourth in a chequered career marred by serious injury, and spent the remainder of last season following the surgery in rehabilitation.
He started this season in NSW Cup but hasn't had a look-in at NRL level until now with the former Sydney Roosters and Broncos centre struggling to find his best form.
He has also had to deal with an assault charge involving a taxi driver that saw him plead guilty in court back in March. He was suspended for two matches and fined $60,000 by the club.
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It's understood Moga's inclusion is insurance for any potential injury to an outside back against the Bulldogs or if fullback Connor Watson is needed to deputise at hooker.
The club will make a final call on Friday afternoon about their four Origin players, Mitchell Pearce, David Klemmer, Tim Glasby and Daniel Saifiti, but it's likely all will back up.
