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Norton-Knight could ride at full-back

Monday 24th March 2008

Welcome Return: Norton-Knight set for recall

Waratahs star Sam Norton-Knight is being readied for a start at full-back against the Cheetahs at the Sydney Football Stadium on Friday.

Despite playing only 40 minutes of club rugby in five months, the Wallaby utility back trained in the number fifteen position during a session on Sunday, with Lachlan Turner moving out to the wing in place of Alfi Mafi

Yet despite the seemingly swift preparations, Norton-Knight is unconcerned about his lack of game-time since hurting his ankle in last year's ARC finals.

"Since I was a young bloke, I have always had a good base level of fitness," he said, speaking to The Daily Telegraph.

"I am not carrying a lot of weight around, and that hasn't changed in the months I have had off.

"I am also confident I can add a bit of balance to the side where there has been a lot of pressure on the number nine and number ten.

"Hopefully I can get in there and balance that equation out a bit."

And despite succumbing to that long-term injury, Norton-Knight's has declared that his thigh is now 100 per cent, which should strengthen the Australians' kicking options for the rest of their campaign.

"That (kicking) is something that is generally there," he said.

"I will have to call upon that if I get a chance."