The Newcastle Knights have already lost starting prop Korbin Sims to suspension for two weeks and face the prospect of taking on premiership heavyweights Penrith without other starting front rower Kade Snowden.

Snowden was named players player for his performance last weekend against the Gold Coast but could miss the early season clash due to a badly corked thigh. The local missed training on Wednesday while the club is also looking at the fitness of a number of other stars including Jarrod Mullen who was hammered by Greg Bird on Saturday night.

David Fa’alogo will start on Saturday while man mountain Pat Vaivai will come into the 17.