Tearaway forward Herman Ese'ese is set to be handed a golden opportunity to stake a claim for a starting spot in the Knights pack for the season-opener against the Warriors when he starts at lock against the Sydney Roosters in a trial at Gosford tonight.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Ese'ese has shrugged off an ankle injury that kept him out of last weekend's trial again St George Illawarra and will be looking to heap some selection pressure on coach Adam O'Brien when the Knights take on a vastly under-strength Roosters outfit.
It's understood the coach is keen to see Ese'ese, Jacob Saifiti and Connor Watson all be given some extended time in the middle after Mitch Barnett filled the lock's role with distinction against the Dragons in Maitland.
Barnett will spend time on his more favoured right edge tonight along with Aidan Guerra with the position one of the spots up for grabs following the knee injury that has sidelined Sione Mata'utia for up to six weeks.
It is no secret the edge backrow is the position that O'Brien wants strengthened most for next season. The club is in negotiations to try and sign Dragons star Tyson Frizell for that reason. But in the mean time, it appears either Barnett or Aidan Guerra will be used in the role while Mata'utia is sidelined.
O'Brien has told Barnett he views him more as a middle forward but the coach may have no choice than to start him on the edge against the Warriors unless Guerra makes the most of his opportunity when called on against the Roosters.
Fringe players Tex Hoy, Pasami Saulo, Mason Lino and Starford To'a will all get some game time off the bench tonight but it is hard to see them forcing their way into the 17-man squad for round one unless there are further injuries.
The Roosters have chosen a largely no-name squad with coach Trent Robinson understandably resting all his World Club Challenge-winning players.
Newcastle assistant coach Willie Peters said the strength of the Roosters squad, missing so many of their stars, was not something his team was concerned about heading into the trial with the Knights keen to ensure the focus remains on themselves.
"We haven't even looked at the Roosters and who they will have out there - we are just going to focus on ourselves and worry about what we can control," he said.
"Our defence was very good early but we definitely want to improve out attack from the Dragons game. This time of the year it can be clunky but we want to get it right tomorrow.
"We'll be looking to play a little bit more football tomorrow but the plan is to get our defence right first so that is first and foremost. Some spots are still up for grabs."
Knights squad:
Kalyn Ponga, Edrick Lee, Enari Tuala, Gehamat Shibasaki, Hymel Hunt, Kurt Mann, Mitchell Pearce, David Klemmer, Jayden Brailey, Daniel Saifiti, Lachlan Fitzgibbon, Mitch Barnett, Herman Ese'ese. Connor Watson, Aidan Guerra, Jacob Saifiti, Tim Glasby, Tex Hoy, Pasami Saulo, Mason Lino, Starford To'a.
Roosters squad:
1. Asu 'AJ' Kepaoa, 2. McKenzie Baker, 3. Christian Tuipulotu, 4. James Tuitahi, 5. Matt Ikuvalu, 6. Lachlan Lam, 7. Drew Hutchison, 8. Daniel Suluka-Fifita, 9. Freddy Lussick, 10. Poasa Faamausili, 11. Egan Butcher, 12. Tom Freebairn, 13. Max Bailey. Interchange: 14. Luca Moretti, 15. Lupe Tivalu, 16. Elih Jackson, 17. Ben Thomas.
While you're with us, did you know the Newcastle Herald offers breaking news alerts, daily email newsletters and more? Keep up to date with all the local news - sign up here
IN THE NEWS
- Newcastle councillors up in arms over photo shoot
- Convicted child sex offender and Marist Brother William Wade pleads guilty to concealing child sex crimes
- NSW Labor slams Liberal National government's delay in building a Singleton bypass ahead of Shadow cabinet meeting
- Residents view escape from Williamtown contamination zone after federal government settles class-action claim
- Sonia Hornery lambasts state government in the wake of freak storm in Newcastle
- Bank set to foreclose on Williamtown farm after family flees red zone due to health concerns