Newcastle Knights five-eighth Connor Watson will return to the first-grade side this week despite being a late withdrawal from their Round 20 clash against the Cowboys.

Watson missed the Knights narrow 20-18 loss against North Queensland with a groin injury, but is expected to line up against the Wests Tigers on Friday night.

The 22 year old's late withdrawal meant rookie Jack Cogger slotted into the five-eighth position, creating two try assists along with having two line-break assist to his name.

NIB Newcastle Knights Physical Performance manager, Tony Ayoub, expects Watson to be fit.

"He pulled up pretty good after the couple of runs he's had over the weekend," Ayoub told the Knights website.

"We expect him to take his spot. He's improving every day."

Despite copping a nasty whack to the face which resulted in numerous staples being put into Mitchell Pearce's face to stop the bleeding, Ayoub stating he'll be fine to take the field.

"He just had a bit of a sore head," Ayoub said.

"'Unfortunately, he nicked a blood vessel. It was quite deep. You've got to give the kid credit, he's a tough young man."

Meanwhile, the Knights will be sweating on the fitness of their young superstar in the making Kalyn Ponga after complaining of a sore ankle throughout the week.

Ponga did not train with the team on Monday as he manages the ankle complaint in preparations to be fine for Round 21.

Ayoub said Ponga has suffered a minor ankle sprain.

"He didn't train (on Monday). That was more precautionary than anything else, just to give him a bit of time off," Ayoub said.

"Coming off the back of a hamstring injury, we thought it best to unload him and we expect him to take his place on the weekend."