Smith names 20-man squad for Storm clash

Newcastle Knights coach Brian Smith has named a 20-man squad for this Monday's Round 18 clash with the Melbourne Storm at Olympic Park.

The team is largely unchanged from the one that beat Parramatta 34-10 in their last outing. Cooper Vuna retains his position on the wing, Daniel Abraham remains at 5/8, and Zeb Taia continues to impress since transferring mid-season, maintaining a starting position in the second row, forcing teenage giant Cory Paterson back to the bench.

The extra players named are Brad Tighe, Jarrod Mullen and Josh Perry who all would require medical clearance to play in this upcoming Monday night blockbuster.

FIRST GRADE

Coach: Brian Smith

1. Kurt Gidley 2. James McManus 3. George Carmont 4. Adam MacDougall 5. Cooper Vuna 6. Daniel Abraham 7. Luke Walsh 8. Mitchell Sargent 9. Danny Buderus (C) 10. Adam Woolnough 11. Steve Simpson 12. Zeb Taia 13. Reegan Tanner

Interchange:

14. Michael Young 15. Cory Paterson 16. Jesse Royal 17. Kade Snowden 18. Brad Tighe 19. Jarrod Mullen 20. Josh Perry

Source: www.newcastleknights.com.au