KNIGHTS players hope the return of popular clubman Edrick Lee from a career-threatening injury will be the emotional catalyst that reignites their season against St George Illawarra at WIN Stadium on Sunday.
After three successive losses, Newcastle need to rediscover some positive energy and there seems little doubt Lee's long-awaited comeback will help provide that.
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The 29-year-old Queensland Origin winger has not played in the NRL for 18 months after a broken bone in his foot consigned him to the sidelines last season and forced him to ponder retirement.
But after being offered a train-and-trial contract, he proved his fitness in the pre-season and was upgraded to a full-time NRL deal.
He has since strung together three consecutive games in the NSW Cup to win a recall when English import Dominic Young suffered a knee injury in last week's loss to Manly.
"We've lost Dom this week, but we've got a pretty good replacement in Eddy," Knights lock Kurt Mann said.
"Eddy hasn't played [NRL] footy in about a year, so I'm really excited for him to get back.
"He's a massive inclusion for the group ... even when he wasn't playing, the energy he brings to the place, he comes in with a big smile on his face every day.
"I don't think there's a person here who wouldn't say a good word about big Eddy.
"So I think all the boys are more excited to watch him play than he is. We're all pretty keen to see him get out there this weekend."
Knights five-eighth Jake Clifford was looking forward to playing alongside Lee for the first time.
"I'm so happy to see Eddy back, playing footy," Clifford said.
"He had a full year out and, to his credit, he stuck at it.
"He would have had to face some demons, not playing, watching all the boys play, and being in rehab.
"To see him back and to get to pull on this jersey, I can't wait to play alongside him.
"It's my first game alongside him and I know what he brings.
"I've watched him play Origin and in clubland, so I'm very excited for him."
Mann said there was little chance the laidback Lee would be feeling any nerves as he prepares for his return.
"I don't think anyone can make Eddy feel any more comfortable than what he is," Mann said.
"He's a pretty cool cat. He doesn't give away much. He's always calm and collected, so I wouldn't say he's nervous. He's played a lot of footy, some high-level footy, so he'll be ready to go."
Meanwhile, the Knights had no update on Wednesday regarding the contractual status of skipper Kalyn Ponga.
Ponga, who has a free-agent clause in his deal that would potentially allow him to leave Newcastle at the end of the season, has been approached by new franchise the Dolphins.
Newcastle are still waiting to hear if they can proceed with plans to sign Anthony Milford after assault charges against him were dropped on Monday.
