Kurt Mann is no stranger to dealing with pain.
Two years ago, the utility star got through almost half a season for the Knights with injections before and during games to numb a cracked sternum.
But Newcastle coach Adam O'Brien has indicated he won't be taking any risks with his five-eighth ahead of Friday night's clash against the Warriors at Gosford.
Despite fears over the weekend he could be sidelined for up to six weeks with ligament damage after limping off during his side's opening round win over the Bulldogs, Mann was yesterday named in O'Brien's 17-man squad alongside three other team-mates - Connor Watson, Bradman Best and Starford To'a - who had also been under injury clouds.
Watson, Best and To'a all trained with the squad yesterday and now seem almost certain to play but Mann will need to pass a fitness test on Thursday before the captain's run to be given the nod.
O'Brien has named Phoenix Crossland on his extended bench and he looks set to partner Mitchell Pearce in the halves if Mann is ruled out.
Mann appeared no chance of being available to play this week when he was sitting on the bench during the second half of the Bulldogs game with his right leg in a brace and medical staff fearing he had torn his medial ligament.
Depending on the severity of medial tears, they are usually a 4 to 6 week injury. But scans over the weekend revealed the ligament was still intact with the five-eighth instead suffering deep bone bruising after taking a heavy knock on the knee.
Knights winger Hymel Hunt admitted he is hopeful all players initially considered in doubt will play on Friday night.
"I don't think they are too serious," he said prior to training on Tuesday. "I saw those boys walking around [earlier] having coffees and they were in in good spirits."
Hunt was in awe of the performance of his side's forward pack when asked about the win over the Bulldogs.
"I think all the stats and scoreboard speaks for itself," he said. "Our big boys, they are the heartbeat of our team. Most games are won in the middle and 99 percent of the time, our big boys always give their heart and soul.
"I love those boys and it's time for us OB's [outside backs] to repay them this weekend."
Asked about the Warriors, he said: "I don't think we should underestimate them. They had a great win on the weekend. They have a massive forward pack and it will be great battle between the two packs."
Knights team:
1. Tex Hoy 2. Starford To'a 3. Enari Tuala 4. Bradman Best 5. Hymel Hunt 6. Kurt Mann 7. Mitchell Pearce 8. David Klemmer 9. Jayden Brailey (c) 10. Daniel Saifiti (c) 11. Tyson Frizell 12. Mitch Barnett 13. Connor Watson. Interchange: 14. Sauaso Sue 15. Jacob Saifiti 16. Josh King 17. Brodie Jones. Extended Bench: 18. Phoenix Crossland 19. Pasami Saulo 20. Dom Young 21. Gehamat Shibasaki.
