Redcliffe's UK Import Morgan Knowles To Channel Former English Great In NRL Debut

Englishman Morgan Knowles will look to follow in the footsteps of another legendary English forward as the latest Dolphins import prepares for his NRL debut on Sunday at Suncorp Stadium.

The 28 year old has nearly 250 matches under his belt for St Helens in the Super League, as well as 15 international tests for both Wales and England, and is likely to take the field wearing number 13 lining up against the Rabbitohs Cameron Murray.

Speaking with media on Tuesday, he noted the influence of fellow English frontman James Graham during a short six month stint playing together at St Helens.

"I can’t speak highly enough of Jammer, it goes without saying what he’s done out here and the standard he’s got in the game," Knowles said.

"Even in that short time he had a massive impact on me and my career. I learnt loads off him, directly and indirectly just watching how he goes about his business and his mentality. 

"That last year at St Helens, his body was busted, the amount of pain he was in, he would just keep turning up and turning up. Me and a couple of younger players just try to come off the back of that, yeah just a real role model and someone that carried a real aura when you’re playing with them. 

"You obviously want to let your team mates down, but you almost didn't want to let him down and try and impress him."

Knowles' work ethic and style of play should fit seamlessly with that of coach Kristian Woolf who is know for moulding hard working and resilient.

"The standards that Wolfy set and the team that he wants probably leans into my strengths," Knowles continued.

"I'm an effort based player. work hard and keep turning up for the boys and that's what he's trying to instill here

"We have some unbelievable talent and strike obvs the lads attacked really well last year but we want to try and make the foundations of a real hard working team and defensively getting after it."

Asked on the biggest differences between the Australian and UK competitions, Knowles idintified the the ruck is a key area of focus.

"It's reffed a lot different," Knowles said, "you know, rucks are a lot quicker and that's been a fair change, something hat's been a little bit of a challenge and something that I'll have to get used to."

"I'm sure I'm not going to be perfect round one but as the year goes on I'll get a bit more comfortable.

"It’s always a funny one, after a pre-season you never quite know how you’re going to feel round one. No matter how much fitness you do you’re always gassed because it’s different playing in a game. 

"I'm sure the lungs will be burning out there and it will be hot but yeah looking forward to getting going now."

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