The proud Novocastrian said he was as shocked as anyone when news broke that Danny Wicks and Chris Houston had been charged with supplying ecstasy and cocaine and had quit the club.

A Lakes United junior, Kimmorley made his NRL debut for the Knights in 1995 and learned of their resolve in troubled times after countless contests against his home-town team.

"Being from the area I know how it's like a small community at times and everyone knows everyone, and I'm sure a lot of people were shocked at what has happened," Kimmorley said.

"I was up there a couple of weeks ago and there were lots of rumours, but that's the problem in a small place like Newcastle. I reckon the boys would be just looking forward to a game of footy."

The Knights are down two forwards because of the departure of Wicks and Houston, but far more detrimental to their chances was the loss of captain and star player Kurt Gidley in a trial match.

Gidley injured his knee in the All Stars game on the Gold Coast last month and is likely to miss the first few matches of the season.

"They are three players down, but we've got a few missing as well," Kimmorley said. "Kurt is one of those blokes that you try to contain him, but he always does something special anyway.

"Without him there it gives someone else the chance to step up and take control of the game and do the special things that he does."

The Bulldogs will be without back-rower Corey Payne for the season because of a shoulder operation and Wests Tigers recruit Dene Halatau will miss the first month with an ankle injury.

Kimmorley made a late start to his preparation for the 2010 season because of a hernia operation but is confident his match fitness is where it needs to be.

He said the Knights were in a similar situation to the Bulldogs last year when Kevin Moore took over from Steve Folkes for his first full season as head coach.

"They've got a new coach, new players and a new playing style under Rick Stone.

"It can cause a few problems, but it's exciting as well for some of the older guys like Simmo [Steve Simpson] who have been there for a while."

The Knights are TAB Sportsbet's $3.50 favourites to win the wooden spoon. The Bulldogs ($7) are on the second line of betting, behind the Eels, to win the premiership.