Seibold's part-time position as O'Brien's advisor and coach of the club's other coaches has been expanded as the Knights look to bounce back quickly from a Magic Round meltdown in Brisbane against the Wests Tigers.

The Newcastle Herald understands O'Brien has given the controversial former Brisbane Broncos coach the reins to oversee the Knights' defence with the head coach now taking a far more active role in his side's attack.

Since arriving in Newcastle at the start of last season, O'Brien has concentrated largely on trying to improve the side's lack of resolve and mental toughness in defence with mixed success.

But he was the attacking assistant coach at both the Melbourne Storm and Sydney Roosters before taking the top job in Newcastle and with the new rules resulting in a more open style of footy, he has decided to focus more of his energies in that area.

O'Brien is clearly hoping the switch ahead of the Cowboys clash will bring about a positive mindset change in his players, who have deservedly been widely criticised following their dismal 36-18 loss to the Tigers.

O'Brien largely stuck with the same squad when he named his lineup for the Cowboys with injured fullback Kalyn Ponga given a further week to get over his slight groin tear.

Winger Hymel Hunt is out with a hamstring injury with Brayden Musgrove back in the side after missing the Tigers rout. But there will be changes come kick-off. The most significant addition to the 21-man squad is veteran playmaker Blake Green, who has missed the past few weeks with a cracked rib.

Green hasn't been named to start but it's expected he will come into the team at five-eighth if he gets through the captain's run in Townsville today unscathed. Provided he does that, Kurt Mann is tipped to move to fullback at the expense of Tex Hoy. Rookie centre Simi Sasagi is also considered a chance to make his debut.

The Cowboys will field a debutant against the Knights with towering 20-year-old backrower Heilum Luki to come off the bench with Coen Hess out with concussion. Prop Tom Gilbert will start for the first time after debuting last weekend.

Hooker Reece Robson, five-eighth Scott Drinkwater, fullback Valentine Holmes and the destructive Jason Taumololo shape as the Cowboys' big dangers.

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