Despite producing a Herculean effort against the Penrith Panthers, Tom Cant is happy to play the waiting game at the Newcastle Knights.

The Maitland Pickers junior not only captained the Hunter-based club’s NSW Cup side at BlueBet Stadium at the weekend, he backed up almost immediately for the NRL fixture with the three-time defending premiers.

Named 18^th man, and preparing to wind down after the curtain-raiser, the young gun received a tap on the shoulder when prop Jacob Saifiti suffered a calf injury during the Newcastle warm-up.

Cant then took his place on the bench before running onto the field in the 29^th minute.

“It’s been a while since I’ve done that,” he said.

“Probably as a 12-year-old at gala days and stuff like it.

“But, not at this level.

“I was pretty sore afterwards.

“However, I’ve come through well and I’m feeling better [today].

“I have been 18^th man a few times this year, so I know there’s always a chance I might get to play.

“Once Jacob went down, I knew I was ready.

“I just had to do my job.

“I’ve trained as part of the squad for nearly two seasons now, so everyone is aware of their role, including me.”

That doesn’t mean Cant, who made his Tooheys Newcastle Rugby League (NEWRL) first grade debut with the Pickers as a teenager in 2021, has no aspirations to be a regular in the Knights’ 17.

“All I have to do is concentrate on my football,” he said.

“The rest will take care of itself.

“But, of course, I’d love to be in the run-on side, that’s my goal… anywhere in Adam O’Brien’s team.

“For the time being, I’m happy to fit in where I can.”

Although Saifiti will miss Newcastle’s clash with the last-placed Wests Tigers at McDonald Jones Stadium on Sunday 11 August, Cant will remain with the No 18 on his back.

Cessnock’s Brodie Jones has been named to replace the injured star.

“All I can do is work hard at training and play strongly in games,” he said.

“We have a deep squad at the Knights.

“Whoever Adam picks will do the job.”

Newcastle Knights v Wests Tigers

4.05pm: Sunday 11 August

McDonald Jones Stadium

• Newcastle Knights: 1. Kalyn Ponga, 2. Fletcher Sharpe, 3. Dane Gagai, 4. Dylan Lucas, 5. Greg Marzhew, 6. Tyson Gamble, 7. Phoenix Crossland, 8. Daniel Saifiti, 9. Jayden Brailey, 10. Leo Thompson, 11. Tyson Frizell, 12. Kai Pearce-Paul, 13. Adam Elliott; 14. Jack Cogger, 15. Mat Croker, 16. Jack Hetherington, 17. Brodie Jones; 18. Thomas Cant, 19. Sebastian Su’a, 20. Jackson Hastings, 21. Will Pryce, 22. Krystian Mapapalangi
• Wests Tigers: 1. Jahream Bula, 2. Solomon Alaimalo, 3. Solomona Faataape, 4. Adam Doueihi, 5. Charlie Staines, 6. Lachlan Galvin, 7. Aidan Sezer, 8. Stefano Utoikamanu, 9. Apisai Koroisau, 10. David Klemmer, 11. Reuben Porter, 12. Samuela Fainu, 13. Isaiah Papali’I; 14. Tallyn Da Silva, 15. Alex Seyfarth, 16. Fonua Pole, 17. Alex Twal; 18. Heath Mason, 19. Tim Johannssen, 20. Josh Feledy, 21. Declan Casey, 22. Tony Sukkar

For more sports stories:

• NEWRL: Pickers target more silverware for trophy cabinet
• Football legends Johnston, Slater bemoan state of the game
• John Quayle honoured to be NRL Hall of Fame inductee

Get all the latest Newcastle news, sport, real estate, entertainment, lifestyle and more delivered straight to your inbox with the Newcastle Weekly Daily Newsletter. Sign up here.