Teenage centre Bradman Best and experienced prop David Klemmer will both play for the Knights against the Canberra Raiders on Saturday but doubts remain over veteran halfback Mitchell Pearce's availability.
Best hasn't played for six weeks following ankle surgery while Klemmer missed the loss to the Sydney Roosters on Friday night due to the effects of a severe concussion. Both are considered definite starters this week.
Pearce, who has missed the past two games with a slight hamstring tear, still has to tick a number of boxes before he is cleared for a return.
"We'll get Braddie and Klem back and I'd like to think we are a good chance with Junior [Pearce] but we'll have to wait and see," O'Brien told the Newcastle Herald. "There is no guarantee with him at this stage but having him back on the field would be enormous for us.
"He desperately wants to play and I can't fault him for what he's been doing for us while he's been out - he's been outstanding. As a leader and with the way he has been encouraging the boys, he's been like an extension of the coaching staff. But if you get injuries like his wrong, you get them real wrong and I understand that."
The lack of direction and diabolical second half kicking game during the Roosters loss makes it almost imperative Pearce plays against the Raiders.
# Meanwhile, Storm lock and Knights target Dale Finucane has signed a four year, $2.5 million deal with the Cronulla Sharks.
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