Manager Matthew Johns has urged Newcastle to use Jack Cogger as a double-half and insisted the returning Knight should be the first-choice playmaker against Canberra.
The rugby league world's attention will turn from Las Vegas back to Australia on Tuesday as the remaining teams in the NRL first round will be decided.
Canterbury manager Cameron Cirardo must decide whether to include Bronson Zelli in his backline for his first NRL game since testing positive for drugs at the end of 2019.
Canberra coach Ricky Stewart has ensured Jordan Rapana will wear the No. 1 shirt and will have to make a decision on his new spine.
But the most interesting selection debate looms over Newcastle. Newcastle signed Coger on a three-year deal in August last year after Jackson Hastings and Tyson Gamble reached the final.
But in Johns' eyes, it would be a given to face Canberra on Thursday.
“I'm a big fan of Coger… in my opinion he's essential. He'll start,” Johns told AAP for Fox Sports during his stay in Las Vegas.
“Jack is starting to understand his game and what works for him. His contribution in Penrith’s Grand Final has been hugely underrated.
“I think that's the confidence it gave Jack.”
Johns said he expects Hastings to maintain his spot in the Knights' half.
“Gamble was originally brought to the club to play a bit of a utility and number 13 role, so I wouldn't be surprised if he returned to that role,” said the Knights great.
“Whether as a starter or off the bench.”
One of last season's fairy tales, Newcastle's season fate realistically still rests heavily on Kalyn Ponga, even after his fire in late 2024.
Already one of the best players in the game, if Ponga can prove he can continue his strong form last year, this could be the season that can take Ponga to another level.
“Probably the least sexy word these days is consistency, especially in an era of highlight reel moments,” Johns said.
“But for Karin, it's the next step. When you're taking up a lot of the cap, like Karin, it's your duty to be 'on' every week. ”
Johns believed Ponga, 25, was mature enough to do so.
“The five-eight experiment (early last year) didn't work out, but I feel like it helped his game in a lot of ways,” Johns said.
“I think it gave him a better appreciation for other roles and things he has to do.
“When you have playmakers, you really start to figure out your game.
“I understand what order suits my game, where I want to receive the football and what form of attack I should use.
“We are starting to understand that with Karin.
“He's sitting on the left side just above the post, and he's running around and threatening the third-to-last defender.”
“And (Kalin) either feints and skips or cuts inside. It's just a nightmare for that defender.”
