Mid-season recruit Jake Clifford is a strong chance of making his debut for the Newcastle Knights this weekend.
Coach Adam O’Brien has named the 23-year-old former North Queensland Cowboys playmaker in his 21-man squad to tackle the Parramatta Eels at McDonald Jones Stadium on Sunday 6 June.
The young halfback, who arrived in the former steel city earlier in the week, joins rookies Jirah Momoisea and Mat Croker on an extended bench but could receive a late call-up ahead of the Old Boys Day clash.
Clifford was on hand to witness the Knights’ fighting 18-10 victory over top-eight outfit Manly Sea Eagles – and could be Newcastle’s lucky charm in its run to the play-offs.
“I was impressed by the boys – they really dug deep,” he said of his new team-mates.
“To see the first game, to see the whole crowd and the support they get, I’m looking forward to putting the jersey on.
“The fans are clearly very passionate about their side.
“I’m pumped, I can’t wait to get out there.”
After winning the 2017 Dally M NYC Player of the Year, Clifford starred for the Queensland under-20s a season later, scoring two tries and securing the man of the match honours in the state’s inaugural triumph.
He then ran out for the Cowboys, for the first time, in round 19 of the NRL against the St George Illawarra Dragons.
The youngster was then awarded the QRL Intrust Super Cup Halfback of the Year and Rookie of the Year, as well as North Queensland Rookie of the Year.
In 2020, Clifford signed a two-year contract with the Knights, however he secured an early release to join them – after playing seven matches for the Cowboys – for the remainder of 2021.
In other team news, with Kalyn Ponga (Queensland) and Daniel Saifiti (NSW) in State of Origin camp, Tex Hoy and Jacob Saifiti each gain a start in the top 17.
Second-rower Tyson Frizell and prop David Klemmer are also unavailable, with Brodie Jones and Sauaso Sue shifting to the main line-up.
Kurt Mann returns to the side after missing the win over Manly, taking Connor Watson’s place on the bench.
Matthew Johns’ son Jack will also become the 326th Knight to don a Newcastle jumper after being named as an interchange player.
NEWCASTLE KNIGHTS V PARRAMATTA EELS
Venue: McDonald Jones Stadium
Date: Sunday 6 June
Gates open: 1.15pm
NSW Cup: 1.30pm
Kick-off: 4.05pm
TEAMS
Newcastle Knights (coach Adam O’Brien): 1. Tex Hoy, 2. Starford To’a, 3. Enari Tuala, 4. Bradman Best, 5. Brayden Musgrove, 6. Connor Watson, 7. Phoenix Crossland, 8. Sauaso Sue, 9. Jayden Brailey (c), 10. Jacob Saifiti, 11. Brodie Jones, 12. Lachlan Fitzgibbon, 13. Mitch Barnett. Interchange: 14. Kurt Mann, 15. Josh King, 16. Jack Johns 17. Simi Sasagi. Extended bench: 18. Jake Clifford, 19. Jirah Momoisea, 20. Mat Croker, 21. Gehamat Shibasaki
Parramatta Eels (coach Brad Arthur): 1. Clint Gutherson, 2. Maika Sivo, 3. Tom Opacic, 4. Waqa Blake, 5. Haze Dunster, 6. Dylan Brown, 7. Mitchell Moses, 8. Reagan Campbell-Gillard, 9. Reed Mahoney, 10. Marata Niukore, 11. Isaiah Papali’i, 12. Ryan Matterson, 13. Nathan Brown. Interchange: 14. Will Smith, 15. Shaun Lane, 16. Oregon Kaufusi, 17. Bryce Cartwright. Extended bench: 18. Joey Lussick, 19. Makahesi Makatoa, 20. Jakob Arthur, 21. Will Penisini
