Kangaroos forward Tyson Frizell and former Canterbury enforcer Jesse Sue will make their Knights' NRL debuts on Friday night against the Bulldogs at McDonald Jones Stadium after being named in the 17-man squad as expected for the clash.
Knights coach Adam O'Brien has come up with few surprises in his round one team with Frizell to start in the backrow and Sue named on the bench.
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Outstanding young wing talent Starford To'a will fill the spot left open following Edrick Lee's foot injury while Tex Hoy will get the perfect opportunity to push for a new contract as Kalyn Ponga's replacement at fullback.
Gehamat Shibasaki has been named in the side on the wing with Hymel Hunt 18th man but that could change if Hunt proves his fitness for the game.
Connor Watson will start for the first time in the No.13 jersey with Kurt Mann to partner Mitchell Pearce in the halves.
Daniel Saifiti will play his 100th NRL game against the Bulldogs and will co-captain the side with hooker Jayden Brailey.
- Round 1 squad: Tex Hoy, Starford To'a, Bradman Best, Enari Tuala, Gehamat Shibasaki, Kurt Mann, Mitchell Pearce, David Klemmer, Jayden Brailey, Daniel Saifiti, Tyson Frizell, Mitch Barnett, Connor Watson.
- Bench: Jesse Sue, Jacob Saifiti, Josh King, Brodie Jones.
- Extended bench: Hymel Hunt, Pasami Saulo, Simi Sasagi, Jack Johns.
