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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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