Knights coach Nathan Brown has revealed that star fullback Kalyn Ponga is likely to return from injury next week's clash with the Sydney Roosters.
The 21-year old missed Origin III with a calf problem but is a firming to play in next Saturday's SCG meeting with the reining premiers.
"He'd be more than likely," Brown told reporters.
"He finished up his rehab today and he'll start training with the team on Monday.
"It'll be good to get him back and (Mitchell Barnett's) suspension is done, it'll add a bit more stability to the team."
Newcastle will be looking to bounce back from a disappointing upset loss to Canterbury on Friday night, conceding three tries in the final 20 minutes.
Brown admitted that it had been a tough month navigating through injuries, suspensions and the representative period.
However, he refused to blame the loss on having four players, Mitchell Pearce, David Klemmer, Daniel Saifiti and Tim Glasby, back up just two days on from Origin III.
"We had some changes over the last five weeks with injuries and suspensions and people changing position all the time, Kurt (Mann) and Connor (Watson) always playing different positions," Brown said.
"I was just hopeful of grinding out a win to be honest with you and getting back on the horse and getting a bit of cohesion in the back end of the year.
"When your energy levels are down a touch, and Canterbury always play with good energy, our attack was not where it needed to be. Our attention to details wasn't as good as where it has been this year."
