Newcastle Knights have lost halfback Phoenix Crossland for Sunday's clash against Parramatta at McDonald Jones Stadium, opening the door for former Cowboys playmaker Jake Clifford to make his top grade debut for the club.
Clifford, who only arrived in Newcastle last weekend after his med-season release by the Cowboys, was originally named on an extended bench but is set to start at halfback in his first game for his new club, partnering Connor Watson in the halves against the Eels.
Crossland will miss the game due to a slight calf tear he picked up when kicking the Knights to victory over Manly last Sunday. It's a big blow to the youngster, who has been getting better and better over the past few weeks since being given his shot in the No.7 jersey in the NRL by coach Adam O'Brien.
The Knights go into the Eels clash without seven regular starters with hard-working young prop Mat Croker to make his NRL debut off the bench.
Utility Kurt Mann returns after shrugging off a groin strain that kept him out of the Manly game.
