Newcastle legend Andrew Johns has revealed the frontrunners to fill two key positions at the Knights in Round 1.
Johns is Newcastle’s best ever player – arguably rugby league’s greatest of all time – and he’s returned to the Hunter club in a coaching consultancy role this year to aid Adam O’Brien.
And they’ve certainly got their work cut out already, thanks to the sudden exit of veteran halfback Mitchell Pearce and a long-term Achilles injury to hooker Jayden Brailey.
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The two most experienced spine players are suddenly missing and they leave big shoes to fill in the red and blue.
Johns, though, has at least revealed who will wear the No.9 jumper to start the season.
“Chris Randall, if he’s fit, will start the year at hooker,” Johns told Wide World of Sports.
“He is the fittest player in the club. He works really hard, his skills are right up there.
“I’ve been really impressed with how he’s going so he will start the year there.”
Kurt Mann is the other player thought to be in contention for the hooker spot.
As for the No.7 jersey, Johns may need to rely on trial games to split two leading contenders.
“I’ve got to say Phoenix Crossland is one player who has really surprised me since going up there,” he said.
“He’s been a constant at the Knights since he’s been 15 or 16, but I have to say his skillset is right up there. His attitude, he is training hard.
“Adam Clune, he’s a lot better player than I gave him credit for before working with him. He’s been really impressive.
“I think at the start of the year you’re really looking at those two guys. I’ve been really impressed with those two.”
The Knights kick off their season on March 12 against the Roosters.
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