Knights move backrower Cant into hooker role for grand final
Thomas Cant will start at hooker for the first time in his NRL career after Phoenix Crossland was suspended.
Crossland was suspended for a hip-drop tackle that badly injured Penrith superstar Nathan Cleary. Newcastle responded by shifting backrower Cant into the dummy-half role for the grand final.
Cant has played 17 games for the Knights this year but only 30 minutes of finals football so far. Cant has filled in briefly at hooker during matches but never started there, even in reserve grade.
The Knights plan to have Cant absorb early pressure before bringing Harrison Graham off the bench later. Young uncapped hooker Diesel Hagan is also on the bench and could become the first grand-final debutant in 90 years if called upon.
- 17
- Cant's games this year
- 30 minutes
- Finals football played
- Position: hooker
- First starting appearance
Why it mattersA grand final hooker making his first start in the position is a big gamble under pressure. Cant's inexperience at dummy-half could determine how Newcastle controls the ruck.
AustraliaThe hooker switch is a crucial lineup decision for Newcastle's NRL grand final bid on Sunday, affecting how Australia watches its biggest rugby league match of the year.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 2 h ago
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