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Scott Bailey

Ponga back for Knights, Tigers overhaul backline

Kalyn Ponga will make his return from concussion for Newcastle against North Queensland on Saturday. (Brendon Thorne/AAP PHOTOS) (AAP)

Newcastle have confirmed Kalyn Ponga will stay at five-eighth in his NRL return against North Queensland, with the Knights star cleared to make his comeback from concussion.

Ponga was named in Newcastle's team on Tuesday for the first time since round two, with the Knights deeming him ready to return to action in Townsville on Saturday.

Ponga made clear last week he wanted to remain in the halves and not revert to fullback, amid questions over his future in the role and risk of further head knocks.

The Knights have pushed in-form five-eighth Tyson Gamble back to the bench, allowing Kurt Mann to go back to starting lock and Phoenix Crossland to remain at hooker.

"Kalyn is massive for us," Mann said.

"Everyone knows what he can do on the field and as a leader as well. He will be important in that aspect, as one of the generals on the field.

"I'm really happy to have him back, and can't wait to see him out there."

The Knights are one of several sides to make significant positional changes.

Wests Tigers will debut 21-year-old Jahream Bula at fullback against Manly, as part of an overhaul of their backline and halves after seven straight losses to start the season.

Bula's inclusion pushes Charlie Staines to the wing while Asu Kepaoa switches to the centres with Brent Naden out with a shoulder injury.

Brandon Wakeham will play five-eighth, with confirmation on Tuesday Adam Doueihi has been ruled out for 12 months after his third ACL rupture.

In contrast, the Sea Eagles have a big in for Sunday's clash with Josh Schuster back at five-eighth after a quad injury and teenage prop Samuela Fainu to debut off the bench.

The Roosters also have a big change in their halves, with Sam Walker axed and Joey Manu to partner Luke Keary who moves to halfback.

Angus Crichton will return for the Roosters in the Anzac Day match against St George Illawarra, with Sitili Tupouniua named to make his NRL comeback from a ruptured ACL on the bench.

The Dragons have lost Jaydn Su'A to a shoulder injury for the clash - the latest piece of bad news for under-fire coach Anthony Griffin.

Penrith will be without Liam Martin against South Sydney on Thursday night, but the club are hopeful the aggravation of his hamstring tear is a minor one.

Souths will be without second-rower Keaon Koloamatangi after his syndesmosis injury, with Michael Chee-Kam to start.

Parramatta have Josh Hodgson back from illness for their clash with Brisbane in Darwin, with the Broncos welcoming back Corey Oates (jaw) and Thomas Flegler (concussion).

Declan Casey will replace Jacob Kiraz on the wing for Canterbury against Cronulla, while Braidon Burns returns from an ankle injury on the other wing.

Felise Kaufusi is back from suspension for the Dolphins to replace the suspended Kenny Bromwich, while AJ Brimson is named on an extended bench (hamstring) for the Gold Coast.

Nick Meaney returns from his concussion to play fullback for Melbourne against a Warriors side who will be without Wayde Egan for a second straight week after his head knock.

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