New signing Andrew McCullough will train with the Knights for the first time today and is threatening to spoil rookie hooker Chris Randall's planned NRL debut party against Penrith on Sunday at Campbelltown Stadium.
The highly experienced former Brisbane Broncos veteran arrived in town for the first time yesterday with coach Adam O'Brien refusing to rule out the possibility of rushing him straight into the starting line-up when the competition re-launches next weekend.
"I'll weigh everything up over the weekend and wait to have a look at him on Monday first and then do whatever is best for the team and probably what's best for Andrew as well," O'Brien told the Newcastle Herald.
"It might be a big ask to get him to start but I'll certainly be thinking long and hard about it before coming up with a team on Tuesday. If he's in, he's in and if he's not, then he won't be too far away."
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Until McCullough's signing on Thursday, Randall and utility star Connor Watson were set to share the hooking duties against the Panthers following the season-ending injury to Jayden Brailey.
That may still be the case if it's decided to ease the former Broncos dummy half into a new system and give him time to settle in.
Whichever way O'Brien goes selection-wise, Randall's debut is certain to come sooner or later during the revamped season that now features 18 consecutive games straight without any breaks.
"The signing is not a reflection on Randy or Connor, more an indication that we were light on in that position with Jayden going down,"O'Brien said.
"I think with the 18 games straight, if something was to happen to either of them, it's a big ask for the other guy to play 80 minutes every week.
"The other thing is I loved what Connor did for us in those first two weeks off the bench and we've only just scratched the surface.
"I didn't want to lose that. I thought it was a little niche that we had with him playing that role. The new rule interpretations are going to suit Connor out of dummy half but they'll also suit him when he's not playing there.
"That's why I thought Andrew would be a good option. I think he'll be great for Mitchell as well, being able to steer the forwards around. He's experienced and he's a kick threat and the two other boxes he ticks is he is a good defender and a good country lad.
"He's a seasoned campaigner who obviously understands footy really well and he's in good physical shape. The big thing for us is he is hungry. He wants to be here and become a part of something. He wants this opportunity so he's got plenty of motivation and that's a big thing."
O'Brien said Watson and Randall were comfortable with McCullough's signing.
"I've been really transparent over the past few weeks with both guys and told them if we are in a position to be able to bring the right person in to fill a spot which I think is pretty vital given your No.9 touches the ball every tackle, then we would be doing that," he said.
"It's obviously a position where we were light on and the right thing to do for the club and the supporters was if we were in a position both financially and roster-wise, we'd be looking at it. They both understood that.
"They are team-first guys and from my perspective, the important thing is you are open and honest and up-front with them."
O'Brien indicated Randall's time will come, whether it be this week or down the track.
"When I started here, Randy had six weeks [fulltime training] and that was it but he's got himself into a development contract and right in the frame for a debut jersey."
Meanwhile, Bradman Best is set to force his way into the team at left centre.
