Newcastle Knights

The mid-season additions of Brendan Elliot and Peter Mata'utia coupled with new signings Jamie Buhrer, Rory Kostjasyn, Ken Sio, Josh Starling and Jacob Gagan have given the Knights much more depth heading into the 2017 season.

"There is a lot more competition [for places] than there was last year," Brown said.

Ofa Manuofetoa was spotted while playing for Canterbury at the national under 17 tournament in Rotorua, New Zealand which was also his league debut.

Since then it has been a whirlwind for the 17-year-old with several Australian NRL clubs showing interest.

Manuofetoa suddenly had to find an agent, check the contract offers and try and quickly learn a little more about the 13-man game.

Code switching wasn't on Manuofeta's mind two months ago, when he was happy playing fullback for the Timaru Boys' High School First XV in the Crusaders Schools Championship.

Retiring Dragons co-captain Ben Creagh was named on Tuesday but will not play, with Joel Thompson to start in the back row. Tyson Frizell is also out, replaced by Will Matthews in the starting side. Tim Lafai and Luciano Leilua join the final bench.

Parramatta's season has been littered with indiscretions and long-term Eel Mannah is hoping the positive space they've created at training will translate to results on the field.

The Eels have lost their past two games since the club's salary cap punishment was handed down but it won't hinder the spirit of the playing group according to Mannah.