Mitch Barnett nailed a memorable sideline conversion in the absence of Kalyn Ponga against the Sydney Roosters at McDonald Jones Stadium back in 2019.
But it's his form with the boot during pre-season training and not a past highlights reel that will see the Knights backrower handed the goal-kicking duties on Friday night when Newcastle takes on the Bulldogs at home. With Ponga set to miss the opening four or five rounds after off-season shoulder surgery, Barnett and fullback Tex Hoy were considered the only real contenders to take on the kicking duties.
Hoy handled the job in two games last season when both Ponga and Barnett were missing through suspension and injury but will be on standby for Barnett against the Dogs.
"Barney will do the goal-kicking," coach Adam O'Brien revealed to the Newcastle Herald.
'He's been hitting them really well at training and has a bit of confidence in that area so he's got the job with Kalyn not there. Tex has been striking them well too but we'll only use him if Barney gets a bit tired or he's not out there."
The three kickers have spent plenty of time during the pre-season with kicking coach Mick Byrne with O'Brien claiming all three have benefited.
"It's an area where I think we will improve this season," he said.
Meanwhile, the omission of winger Hymel Hunt was the only real surprise when O'Brien unveiled his squad yesterday for the Bulldogs clash.
Hunt, who was part of Queensland's extended Origin squad at the end of last season, has been named as 18th man after missing the side's trial against Melbourne due to a hamstring strain.
Gehamat Shibasaki has been named with youngster Starford To'a as the side's two wingers but Hunt could still feature if he is able to shrug off his injury in time.
Former St George Illawarra Dragons backrower Tyson Frizell and frontrow enforcer Jesse Sue will both make their Knights debuts against the Dogs on Friday night.
Sue will come off the bench against his former club and will feature alongside fellow props Jacob Saifiti and Josh King and backrower Brodie Jones on the interchange.
O'Brien said the squad has had plenty of time to prepare for the season-opener knowing the likes of Ponga, five-eighth Blake Green, backrower Lachlan Fitzgibbon and winger Edrick Lee would not be available.
"Their absence won't be an excuse if we can't get the job done on the night," he said. "We'll be well prepared."
