Adam O'Brien expects Super League-bound Jake Clifford to return to the NRL some day, as the Newcastle coach ponders whether to shift Kalyn Ponga into the halves.
Clifford firmed as the Knights' first-choice five-eighth after joining the club halfway through 2021 but Anthony Milford's arrival midway through this season pushed him down the pecking order.
The Knights granted Clifford a release from the final year of his contract last month, paving the way for him to sign with English side Hull FC.
O'Brien said consistent game time in the Super League may be just what Clifford needs to prove himself as an NRL-calibre player.
"It'll be great for him," the Knights coach said.
"You've seen over the last few years, halves going over to England. You look at a guy like Brodie Croft going over there and getting Man Of Steel.
"We wish him all the best. This is not the end of Jake Clifford's NRL career. This will help him no end."
Stability in the spine will go a long way to helping the Knights recover from a disappointing 2022, and with pre-season beginning this week, O'Brien has begun pondering combinations.
The Knights were at their most dangerous this season when Ponga had the ball in his hands, and a switch from fullback to five-eighth could increase the 24-year-old's playmaking opportunities.
Questions remain as to the viability of the switch, given back-up fullback Tex Hoy has also joined Hull FC and possible replacement Reuben Garrick shunned the club's advances and re-signed with Manly.
O'Brien said Ponga's role was still up in the air.
"We haven't sat down and had complete discussions," he said.
"Is he doing some components of five-eighth in his training? Yeah, he is.
"But we'll sit down once the list is finalised and see what team we've got and how it best fits."
The Knights continue to find themselves linked with Wests Tigers halfback Luke Brooks but O'Brien said he had no knowledge as to the club's hopes of luring the player north.
"I'm the footy coach," O'Brien said.
"I'll coach the boys that are out there right now and when the list is finalised, I'll coach that list."
