Veteran prop Jacob Saifiti says Blake Green's man management is something Newcastle need, insistent the assistant coach's football IQ can counteract any inexperience.
Knights officials have ramped up the search for their next head coach, with Michael Hagan joining a five-man committee that will determine Adam O'Brien's successor.
Green is the front-runner after serving as O'Brien's assistant, while Justin Holbrook, Willie Peters, John Morris and Brad Arthur are other options.
The main knock on Green remains the 38-year-old's inexperience, given he has never previously served as a head coach.
Also in question is the fact he has been Newcastle's attacking coach this year, with the Knights scoring close to 100 points less than any other team.
But while Saifiti could understand the argument around inexperience, the front-rower believed Green was ready to take charge of Newcastle' NRL side.
"If he was to coach me next year, I would be more than happy," Saifiti, who is the Nights' longest current serving player, told AAP.
"I got a few games in with Greeny before he did his ACL (in 2021). His footy IQ is next level.
"The game is always evolving and he has only recently stopped playing. His mind is always going.
"Although our attack hasn't been too hot, his man management is something we are really good at. I think it's something we need."
A journeyman of seven NRL clubs and two Super League teams in his playing career, Green took on Newcastle's NRLW side after his 2021 retirement.
He quickly joined O'Brien's set-up for 2022, before the women's season kicked off due to COVID-19 delays, and has played a role in pathways.
Saifiti said he could understand if there was a push for a fresh face outside of current staff, after the Knights took that option in 2020 when O'Brien replaced Nathan Brown.
"I can see both sides. Because change is good," Saifiti said.
"When Browny left and Ads came in, for me it was a breath of fresh air.
"It's above my pay grade, but I trust guys like CJ (Chris James) and Parry (Peter Parr) and the board to make the right decision.
"Whoever comes in but I know they will do a good job."
More immediately, Saifiti said it was vital Newcastle avoided the wooden spoon with victory over Parramatta on Sunday after eight straight losses.
The Knights are above Gold Coast on the ladder, but if the Titans beat Wests Tigers on Saturday Newcastle would need victory on Sunday to avoid coming 17th.
"I've got a couple of spoons, so I definitely don't want another one," Saifiti said.
"We're missing a lot of players, it's no excuse, but we're way too good of a team to come last.
"Sending him off on the right note would be very good.
"Obviously we haven't had the best year. He's done the best with what he has had. In four out of six years we have gone to the finals with him."
