Porter will wear the No.7 jersey against Central at St John Oval on Sunday in what will be the sole Newcastle Rugby League men's tier one fixture this weekend.

He returned to Wests this season on loan from Kurri Kurri and has just been playing lower grades, until now.

Lowrie is without the services of recognised playmakers Luke Walsh (not playing), Ryan Walsh (ACL), Sam Keenan (shoulder), Frazer Price (knee) and most recently Ryan Walker (cheek).

"Jade Porter is coming in to steer us around," Lowrie said.

"He's played a few games in thirds and then played reserve grade against Kurri last weekend. He's been around, knows the game and still wants to play at that level."

Max Buderus, nephew of Knights legend Danny, is named on the Rosellas' bench.

"He [Buderus] was man of the match in reserve grade last weekend so deserves his chance,' Lowrie said.

Central, who sit one win behind Wests in equal fifth, conceded 18 unanswered points the last time they met the Rosellas on August 9 and haven't cracked a win since.

"We haven't looked up since that moment," Butcher Boys coach Phil Williams said.

"The boys have got to learn that concentration. It's not a full first grade competition, but at that level your attention to detail still has to be spot on."

Central will have a final training session on Saturday morning when Williams is expected to rule on the fitness of hooker Cody Bryant (groin) and bench player Kyle Avery (ankle).

Butcher Boys winger Ryan Weatherall may also be unavailable.

Kick-off is 3pm. The remaining five teams - Wyong, Cessnock, Souths, Lakes and Maitland - have a bye this weekend.

Round nine, all scheduled next Saturday, sees Souths resume against Wyong, Wests will be at home to Lakes and Cessnock travel to Maitland.

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