Ezra Mam will make his NRL debut after in-form Brisbane halfback Adam Reynolds was ruled out with a groin injury just hours before his side's clash with Newcastle.
Reynolds, who has led Brisbane on an eye-catching four-game winning streak into the NRL's top eight, failed a fitness test on Thursday.
That's despite coach Kevin Walters saying on Wednesday Reynolds had assured him of his fitness and that he'd be "very surprised" if he didn't play.
Instead Kurt Capewell will captain the side and Mam will get his chance at the top level.
The highly-touted talent scored 13 tries and added eight try assists in just 11 games last season to be crowned Intrust Super Cup rookie of the year with Souths Logan.
Thursday night's game will also mark Anthony Milford's return to the NRL with the Knights, seven months after playing his last game for the Broncos.
Australian Associated Press