Warren’s Fletcher Hunt on a re-signed contact lines up from the bench to get the Newcastle Knights back on track as an impact player for Sunday March 1 debut in Las Vegas USA.

His side meets the North Queensland Cowboys in the NRL season opener.

There is a huge boost for the Knights with skipper Kalyn Ponga set to play his first game since Round 17 last year having fully recovered from a foot injury.

Centre Dane Gagai (hamstring) and five-eighth Fletcher Sharpe (hamstring) are also good to go for the season opener.

Sharpe will partner star signing Dylan Brown in the halves while former Rooster Sandon Smith wears the No.14 jersey.

Dylan Brown formerly starring with Parramatta says he is fitting in with the Newcastle culture.

"It's very similar to Parramatta and with Fletcher Sharpe alongside me I'm so excited for this," said Brown.

Newcastle Coach Justin Hoolbrook has named Fletcher Hunt and Francis Manuleleua on his list as No.18 and No.19 while Tyson Gamble and James Schiller are part of the extended squad.

The Knights are out to continue an impressive opening round record that has seen them win six of their past eight Round 1 games.

"We have a good line up and Fletcher Hunt can be a strong impact player if required Dylan and Sharpie are training well Dylan can be dominant in the halves and good organizing the backs."

The two-game ban handed to Zac Laybutt for a lifting tackle during the Pre-Season Challenge sees Tom Chester come into the centres for his first NRL game since Round 17 in 2024 for the Cowboys.

Chester missed the 2025 season due to an ACL injury.

Jake Clifford and Tom Dearden are the halves with Jaxon Purdue in the centres.

Star recruit Reed Mahoney starts at hooker alongside experienced big men Coen Hess and Jason Taumalolo.

Former Panther Soni Luke gets the nod in the No.14 role while Griffin Neame (shoulder) and John Bateman (wrist) are listed as No.18 and No.19 on their return from injury.

Young gun Liam Sutton and PNG international Robert Derby are part of the extended squad.

Warren Bulldog fans and the Nyngan Tigers supporters await Fletcher Hunt's first showing if the 18th man is activated during Sunday's NRL opener.

Hopes are hight that he will continue a cracking debut season where he scored 5 tries for an under manned team in 2025.