Newcastle will resist the temptation to go in with three big boppers up front to start the game against arch-rival Manly on Sunday following the return of Blues Origin prop Daniel Saifiti from injury.
Saifiti is back after overcoming a knee injury that sidelined him for four matches in a massive boost for the Knights, who can consolidate their position in the top eight and put a dagger in the Sea Eagles' finals hopes with their second win of the season over their traditional enemies.
With Saifiti's brother Jacob in outstanding form in the absence of his twin, there was some speculation coach Adam O'Brien may considered starting both alongside pack leader David Klemmer against a big Manly forward pack.
But O'Brien has opted to go with Daniel in the starting side and Jacob coming off the bench because it gives him a better balanced interchange.
"That thought has entered my mind a number of times to start really big with them," O'Brien said.
"But then you are really big at the start and you have a situation where they are all off at the same time together and you could be really small. It's the balance of the bench. I like to get an even spread of experience across the 80 minutes."
Jacob Saifiti told the Newcastle Herald after last weekend's win over Wests Tigers he would gladly give up his starting spot and the No10 jersey to his brother when he returns because he was "only keeping it warm" for him.
He was true to his word yesterday with the pair approaching O'Brien before the team was selected.
"The two of them have got together and helped the coach make that decision. They came to me this morning," O'Brien said.
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"They are quite close those two and it was actually a good thing to watch. Daniel went in and said I want to start and Jake said he's done it for longer than me so he's right and I probably agree with him. Jake has been outstanding and I couldn't be more pleased but I think Daniel had earned the right to get his starting spot in the side back.
"I think one [Daniel] has got his prep down pat for starting and the other [Jacob] has had to do it for four weeks."
The return of Saifiti has seen backrower Brodie Jones drop out of the 17-man squad in the only change with Josh King retaining his spot after a solid display against the Tigers.
O'Brien had no hesitation in retaining winger Starford To'a once he was cleared to play by the NRL. Tex Hoy was on standby had he been forced out.
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