Newcastle Knights coach Justin Holbrook has confirmed rising hooker Diesel Hagan will be elevated to the six-man interchange bench for the Grand Final.
It gives the 19-year-old an opportunity to be injected into the Knights' biggest match of the season for an NRL debut, with foxsports.com.au revealing Holbrook confirmed his admission into the side.
Hagan's availability comes as starting hooker Phoenix Crossland was suspended for four matches after he was found guilty of a dangerous hip drop on Nathan Cleary last week, resulting in the 2026 Dally M Medallist suffering a nasty compound fracture.
Holbrook has left the Roosters questioning his bench rotation until within a few hours of kick-off, giving the Novocastrians one advantage heading into the decider.
“Diesel Hagan will be in the six-man bench,” Holbrook confirmed, as per foxsports.com.au.
“He's a great young player. He played (for) New South Wales Under-19s this year, got Player of the Match and was their captain.
“Had a great year in SG Ball and played really well in NSW Cup. He's ready.
“Like a lot of young guys now, he's keen and ready to go.”
Hagan is currently on a development deal at the Knights and is set to continue on the rookie list for the 2027 season.
He has progressed swiftly through the Knights system, and with his NSW Blues Under-19s honours this year, is regarded as a future star.
If Hagan makes the field on Sunday night, it will mark the first time since 1936 that a first-grade player will make their debut in a title decider.
Hagan was originally named in the number 21 reserve jersey on Tuesday when the two sides were announced.
Harrison Graham is likely to have extended minutes during the match, while Thomas Cant can also fill in the dummy half duties in Holbrook's current lineup.
Hagan has made 14 appearances for the Knights NSW Cup side this year, scoring two tries but most impressively playing big minutes in the middle of the field with a 93% tackle efficiency.
