Chris Randall made a rookie record 71 tackles, Tex Hoy was involved in almost everything at either end of the field and Brodie Jones got strapped up to simply finish the game.

The trio helped an injury-ravaged Knights earn a competition point from an against-the-odds, 14-all draw with the Penrith Panthers at Campbelltown Stadium on Sunday, having unexpectedly found themselves in the middle together inside the opening 10 minutes.

Newcastle coach Adam O'Brien was full of praise for hooker Randall, fullback Hoy and back-rower Jones, who was called in late, after a thrilling third-round encounter that ended on level terms despite going to golden point.

"He was out on his feet for a lot of the game Randy and he just kept turning up," O'Brien said.

"He'll never forget his debut along with Brodie getting called in late for Fitz.

"And I thought that Tex was really dangerous at the end. I actually wanted him to get more ball. I thought he was the one who was really starting to see the game and handle the last 10 minutes and golden point really well for a young man. He's got a good future Tex."

Hoy started the fixture at fullback for suspended Kalyn Ponga but Randall was thrown into the fray after just five minutes when Knights captain Mitchell Pearce went off because of a head knock.

Connor Watson shifted from rake to halfback but joined Pearce on the sidelines with an ankle complaint almost immediately afterwards and Jones, who got the nod once Lachlan Fitzgibbon hurt his hamstring during Saturday's captain's run, was introduced for Newcastle.

Pearce and Watson didn't return to the field.

This scenario, combined with Ponga, Fitzgibbon and twice club player of the year Mitch Barnett already out of action, meant these first timers had more responsibility than most.

Plus the Knights were down 14-0 approaching half-time, produced 76 more tackles and at one stage had only 33 percent possession.

Randall played 78 minutes, almost averaging a tackle every 60 seconds, and made 51 metres from his seven runs just four years on from seeing Lakes claim back-to-back Newcastle RL titles in reserve grade.

Souths junior Hoy, who landed one of his three conversions attempts after being handed goal-kicking duties in the absence of Ponga, saved at least two tries by holding up opponents over the line, handled the high ball safely and set up what was almost the match-winning play.

Cessnock product Jones, who turned 22 earlier this month and lives at East Maitland, was unchanged in his 82 minutes. The former Australian Schoolboys representative made 51 tackles and 65m from six hit ups.

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: