Knights named without key playmaker

Newcastle look set to be without one of their biggest playmakers for Sunday’s Round 10 clash against Wests Tigers at Hunter Stadium, with Jarrod Mullen not named due to a toe injury he suffered before last week’s match.

Mullen was a late withdrawal from Country Origin, as well as the Knights’ 30-10 loss to the Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles in Round 9, and has not been cleared to play this weekend after seeing specialists for his toe injury during the week.

When Mullen doesn’t play, the Knights have won just two of their last eight games.

“We’re still trying to get a diagnosis,” said Newcastle Knights Head Coach at a press conference on Tuesday morning (via newcastleknights.com.au). “We might know a bit more later today, but at this stage he’s going to be doubtful for this week. Jarrod’s one of our key playmakers and I think most teams are really dented if they lose one of their key playmakers.”

Captain Kurt Gidley and Tyrone Roberts have been named in the halves as Mullen’s replacement, with Dane Gagai moving to fullback again this week.

Meanwhile, Wests Tigers Coach Jason Taylor has named an unchanged lineup from the side that went down to the Roosters last Friday night, with centre Tim Simona still recovering from an ankle injury he suffered playing for Samoa.

Wests Tigers have won five of their past seven games in Newcastle and will be looking to extend that impressive away streak when they meet this Sunday.

Tickets are ON SALE now for our Round 11 clash against the Cowboys on May 23! Be there and celebrate the 2005 Grand Final!