The Fiji Test skipper will be promoted from the bench to the starting side, most likely as right-side centre, after Knights veterans Adam MacDougall and Steve Simpson withdrew because of a knee injury and flu respectively.

In Simpson's absence, Cory Paterson will play in his first NRL game since he announced three months ago that he had been diagnosed with clinical depression.

Knights coach Brian Smith took an extended squad to Melbourne yesterday, and young props Tim Natusch or Joel Edwards are expected to fill the remaining vacancy on Newcastle's interchange rotation.

Naiqama said yesterday he was looking forward to the challenge of marking Inglis, who has reaffirmed his reputation as one of the game's most lethal weapons during the 2009 State of Origin series.

"I did that down there last year in that close game when we lost 18-4, and I'm pretty confident in what I can do to shut him down," Naiqama said.

"We all know he's a special talent and stuff, but it's not a factor of just one on one, it's a matter of our whole right edge working as a unit, because he's that good."

Naiqama had no doubt that Inglis was the best centre in the world.

"Yeah, 100 per cent," Naiqama said. "He's in form and would have gained a lot of confidence from the State of Origin, so it'll be a tough task. He's obviously got that big fend, which is a real weapon, as well as his strength and size and speed.

"But me and [right winger] Keith [Lulia] have done our homework on him and we'll by trying to get up on him and limit his opportunities."

Paterson was unsure whether he would directly replace Simpson in the starting line-up but said he was "excited just to be back playing footy".

After playing two games for Lakes United, and working overtime in recent weeks to regain lost fitness, he felt he was physically and mentally ready to make his comeback.