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Tex Hoy is willing to “play anywhere” against Canberra this weekend and beyond in order to keep a spot in the Knights squad. Housemate Kalyn Ponga is certain to return at fullback for Newcastle’s clash against the Raiders following a one-game suspension But after Hoy’s impressive debut in Sunday’s drama-charged 14-all draw with Penrith, and with utility Connor Watson in doubt because of an ankle injury, there could be space for the livewire in the final 17. The 20-year-old did his selection chances no harm, polling one Dally M vote against the Panthers at Campbelltown Stadium, and wants to do whatever he can to stay in the top grade. When asked on Monday whether he would consider shifting to another role after initially wearing the No.1 jersey, the South Newcastle junior had no hesitation whatsoever. “One hundred percent. I’ll be looking to put my hand up in all positions. I’ll play anywhere,” Hoy said. Hoy’s next prefered spot is five-eighth, where Kurt Mann is lining up, and his response was similar about the prospect of playing in the halves with Mitchell Pearce. “Fine with me, get me in there, I’ll do my job,” Hoy said. “I’m a confident kid. I just want to be in that team now. “I obviously got the taste last night and obviously we didn’t get the win so I want to get the win next time I play.” In terms of switching to six down the track, Hoy has considered exploring the option to stay at the Knights with Ponga already established as the main custodian. “The whole pre-season I was just in the other team doing a fullback role,” Hoy said. “Once I played at the Nines [in February] the coaches came up and I did a little bit more five-eighth training and I also played a couple of minutes in a trial game at five-eighth. It’s something I do want to explore with Kalyn here. It would be pretty cool to go in that position and play with Kalyn, Connor, Pearcy and all that.” Hoy’s debut had been two months in the making, but nothing could have prepared him for the extraordinary fixture that ensued. “I’ve never been in a game like that,” Hoy said. “I don’t think I’ve ever been in extra-time and I don’t think I’ve ever lost two key players in a team. It was crazy. It’s something I’ll never forget. Hopefully next time it’s a lot smoother sailing.” Hoy, alongside fellow local rookies Chris Randall and Brodie Jones, played key roles in helping an injury-ravaged Knights come back from 14-0 down, level proceedings and survive 10 minutes of golden point despite only having 15 players. “Obviously real sore waking up this morning, but I’m really happy with last night,” Hoy said. “I think all the boys played well and it was a really gutsy effort from everyone.” Hoy and Ponga, who watched the Knights resume their 2020 campaign on television because of coronavirus restrictions at the venue, are also housemates. “He [Ponga] was excited. He told us that he was just running around the house going crazy by himself. It was good to hear from him, but it would have been nice to see him out there. It is what it is and he was pretty proud of us,” Hoy said. Ponga is set to return for third-placed Newcastle against equal leaders and last year’s grand finalists the Raiders at Campbelltown Stadium on Sunday. Watson, who left the field after eight minutes and didn’t return, is expected to get scans results on Tuesday. Knights captain Pearce will be monitored this week after copping a head knock in the fifth minute and failing a HIA, which saw him sidelined for the rest of the game. Newcastle forward Tim Glasby picked up three Dally M points. Meanwhile, Knights winger Edrick Lee entered an early guilty plea on Monday for a grade one dangerous contact charge and is free to play round four. While you’re with us, did you know the Newcastle Herald offers breaking news alerts, daily email newsletters and more? Keep up to date with all the local news – sign up here IN THE NEWS:

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SOUTHFIELD, Mich. – A fake basketball coach has been charged with assault after officials said he got physical with an eighth grade student at practice.

The man at the center of the controversy allegedly coached the boys basketball team as Crescent Academy Charter School in Southfield for months, but the school never hired him as the coach.

School officials said the real basketball coach was fired because she allowed Davantae Alexander, who is apparently her boyfriend, to do her job. When Alexander tried to discipline an eighth grade player, he ended up getting arrested. That’s when school leaders discovered Alexander had been around the students without any vetting.

Officials said Alexander was helping his girlfriend, a teacher who also worked as the basketball coach.

“I turned my face around and that ball hit my face,” student Antonio McCune said.

Antonio, 14, said the incident happened two weeks ago during practice. His nose started bleeding after someone intentionally threw a basketball at him.

“The person that threw the ball was my coach, Coach Taye,” Antonio said.

“Coach Taye” is Alexander, and he has no affiliation with the school.

“This is a school,” said Kenyetta McCune-Thompson, Antonio’s mother. “This is a grown man around kids, girls and boys. They have a girls team, too.”

Superintendent Cheris Cupidore said Alexander wasn’t authorized to be near any of the children.

“Do you know how he got in your building?” Cupidore was asked.

“No, we do not,” Cupidore said.

It turns out it wasn’t the first time Alexander was around the players.

“Five months,” McCune-Thompson said. “That’s a long time to be coaching kids, and nobody knows his name.”

Police wouldn’t release Alexander’s mug shot because he hasn’t been arraigned. He is facing possible charges of assault and battery.

Alexander has made vulgar, homemade rap videos that are on YouTube, McCune-Thompson said.

“Drugs, violence,” McCune-Thompson said. “My son is an honor roll student. He doesn’t get into trouble. This isn’t what I want around my child.”

Crescent Academy launched an investigation and determined a math teacher allowed Alexander to assist as she coached the boys.

“How could someone be there five months and no one know their name?” McCune-Thompson said. “These kids went on various events, even Little Caesars Arena, and at that time, he’s the only coach there.”

The school never did a background check.

Coaches are not allowed to open doors or bring anyone unauthorized into the building, so Cupidore said the school is taking measures to make sure it doesn’t happen again. Signs are now posted, letting parents know that all after-school practices are closed. Anyone who enters the gym has to register and have a purpose.

“We did not take that lightly,” Cupidore said. “Security of students and staff is foremost.”

McCune-Thompson said she has bigger worries.

“I can’t sleep,” she said. “I’m watching out for my family because this man threatened us, and y’all brought him into our life.”

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