English import Morgan Knowles knows he has a challenge ahead to maintain a place in the Dolphins line-up this year, with the club’s forward stocks replenished and looking to fire.
The “proud Cumbrian” played lock for England during the recent three-match Ashes series against Australia and said he was embracing the task ahead to get selected in Kristian Woolf’s team.
“That's my position, loose forward. Ideally, that's where I want to play, but the competition is fierce and there are loads of great players,” Knowles said.
“First and foremost for myself, I want to earn the respect of my teammates, doing that training and working hard, and trying to earn their respect. Selection will come off the back of it.
“The standard (at the Dolphins) from the top lads to the rookies coming in, everyone brings something.
“They are big, strong athletes and everything is a bit quicker. The sessions are bigger and longer.”
However, with first-choice hooker Jeremy Marshall-King (knee) and utility Max Plath (ACL) ruled out of the start of the season, Woolf will be forced to shuffle his pack in the opening rounds.
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Kurt Donoghoe – who played the majority of the 2025 season at lock – is set to fill in at nine, leaving space for Knowles to make his NRL debut in his favoured position.
Although still adjusting to the Queensland heat and the speed of the NRL, the 10-year Super League veteran, who joins countryman Herbie Farnworth at the club, was hopeful he would be able to adapt quickly to the new conditions.
“The ruck is a little bit different (in the NRL) and the boys are used to training at that speed, so that is something I will have to try and catch up with,” Knowles said.
“(But) I am a lighter middle forward, so it suits my game a little bit more.”
Having previously played under Woolf at St Helens, where they won three consecutive grand finals together, Knowles said having the support of his coach made the decision to move halfway across the world for a new opportunity easier.
“It's really different for me, I've only known one club. I came through the academy at Saints and had my full career there,” Knowles said.
“It's refreshing being at a new club and a new competition in the NRL.
“Obviously, I had a relationship with Woolfy from working with him over in England. I trust him, so when the opportunity came up I jumped at it.
“It was a tough decision. I love the club at St Helens. I was just ready for a new challenge, take myself out of my comfort zone and come over here and prove myself again. If I could do a quarter of what some of those English boys have come over and done I'd be very happy.
“It was pretty daunting coming over to a different competition, different country and not knowing anyone.
“Having the comfort of him knowing the player I am and person, and me likewise having that trust, was a big reason behind my decision.”
Before the NRL competition kicks off, Knowles said he would be watching next month’s World Club Challenge with interest, with his English pride on display when asked about Hull KR’s chances of upsetting NRL premiers and cross-town rivals the Broncos.
"I think Hull KR, if they play at their best they are a red-hot chance," Knowles said.
"Super League gets put down a fair bit and that definitely annoys us English blokes over there, so we have definitely got a point to prove.
"Obviously we (St Helens) beat Penrith and then Wigan beat Penrith (16-12) back in the UK as well.
"Hull KR will be wanting to do the same. They are a good team and coached well.
“It will be a good game and I look forward to watching it.
"It was the same back in 2023 when I came over with St Helens …
“Everyone was asking,' why are you in Australia?' They were laughing at us saying 'it is going to be a cricket score'.
"We were quietly confident in ourselves and obviously got the win and Wigan backed it up the year after.
"The English boys will be confident and I hope the Broncos take them lightly and we get another English win."
