Newcastle's halves situation was so fluent this summer that even Knights coach Justin Holbrook muddled his words in Las Vegas on Friday.
With Sandon Smith on the bench and Fletcher Sharpe having won the right to partner Dylan Brown in the halves, Holbrook was asked how hard that decision was.
"I was happy either way," Holbrook said.
"But I just felt the best option for our team was to go with Dylan and Sandon … ahh (I mean) to go with Dylan and Sharpey this week.
"Sandon will come off the bench … I'm confusing myself."
Holbrook was quick to laugh off the minor gaffe, but did admit the Knights had been tossing up between starting Smith or Sharpe in the halves all pre-season.
"Honestly, we hadn't locked it in (until late)," the new Knights mentor said.
"We kept chopping and changing through pre-season, which was good.
"And then the second trial wasn't ideal because Kalyn (Ponga) and Sharpie both didn't play. But I'm really confident in what we finish with."
One thing is clear this season: the Knights need to have confidence in their halves.
Last season alone, Newcastle cycled through seven separate combinations under Adam O'Brien on the way to the wooden spoon. In 2024, it was six.
Critics will point to the fact Brown has been at his best when playing off the cuff at Parramatta, rather than having to be the chief organiser.
It was that kind of football that convinced Newcastle to splurge $13 million on him on a 10-year deal.
Sharpe is also a natural runner, but Holbrook is adamant the fact both of the pair are run-first players along with Ponga at fullback can help the Knights.
"Dylan's obviously wearing the No.7, he'll do more of the organising of the set starts, but they'll just play their natural game," Holbrook said.
"Dylan's a very intelligent rugby league player.
"He hasn't had to play that role for a number of years, obviously, but he's more than happy to do it, more than capable.
"It's a collective approach. Kalyn's a really good communicator too at the back.
"And that's what I think's going to be our strength, having the run threats of Dylan, Sharpie and Kalyn."
Holbrook, meanwhile, said there was no doubt over Ponga's availability after he spent parts of the summer back in a moon boot managing last year's foot injury.
The 27-year-old did not play any pre-season trials, but kicked goals at training at Allegiant Stadium on Friday and is expected to do so in the game.
"He's obviously not had a great pre-season for his standards, but he's kept himself extremely fit," Holbrook said.
"And full credit to Kalyn for doing that, and once he's trained with the team, he hasn't missed a beat. He's 100 per cent ready to go."
