The dream was always to play rugby for New Zealand.

But after being plucked out of a high school rep league carnival by the Melbourne Storm back in 2016 and spending a year in their junior system before being lured to the Knights, his only focus became an NRL debut.

Now in his fourth season at the club, it's about to become a reality for the 22-year-old backrower.

With prop Daniel Saifiti ruled out for up to five weeks with a knee medial ligament tear and backrower Tyson Frizell taking the early guilty plea yesterday on a careless high tackle charge that will see him suspended for Saturday's clash against the Bulldogs, Knights coach Adam O'Brien has turned to Momoisea to help fill the void.

He will start from the bench and become the 31st player used by the Knights this season when he runs out.

In further changes to the side that accounted for the Cronulla Sharks in a nail-biter on Sunday, O'Brien has promoted David Klemmer and Brodie Jones from the bench to start in place of Saifiti and Frizell.

Prop Josh King has earned a recall while Chris Randall is on the bench at the expense of Simi Sasagi.

"We've got some troops missing but Jirah's earned his spot," O'Brien said of his new debutant.

"He's slogged it out all year coming back from that Achilles injury he sustained in the pre-season. He thoroughly deserves his opportunity.

"It's tough for the fringe guys coming to training and really putting in week after week without knowing if they are going to get a game at the end of it. Jirah's attitude has been outstanding in that regard. He also gives us a big body with good leg speed."

Knights prop David Klemmer said Momoisea's debut is great news.

"I'm really pumped for him," Klemmer said.

"He's missed a lot of footy because of Covid and had some big setbacks injury-wise. He had that Achilles tear in the pre-season that was a big one but he knuckled down, got through all his rehab and never put his head down.

"He's matured a whole heap as well and done a lot of work on his body to get it right and it's just great to see him getting his chance in the top grade after getting flogged on the training paddock for most of the season."

# Meanwhile, the Knights are believed to be close to signing halfback Adam Clune, who is still under contract to the Dragons for next season. It's believed Clune is seeking a release to join the Knights as a back-up to Mitchell Pearce next season.

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