NRL debut a long time coming for Knights fullback Tex Hoy after competition shutdown

Toohey's News: Listen to Barry Toohey's new podcast in your Podcast app

Sixty nine days. That's how long his boy Tex will have waited by the time he runs out for the Newcastle Knights against Penrith at fullback on Sunday at Campbelltown Stadium for his first taste of top grade footy. And it's all thanks to the coronavirus epidemic and the competition shutdown back in late March.

So is it nervous times? "Not really for Tex - he never gets too nervous," the Newcastle surfing great said. "Me, I should have a few beers in me by kick-off time so hopefully, I'll be alright too."

If it's a big occasion for Hoy to be replacing the suspended Kalyn Ponga at the back against the Panthers, it's just as big a deal for his proud dad, an out-and-out Knights fan with a club emblem tattooed on his ankle to prove it, who counts Knights Immortal Andrew Johns as one of his close mates.

Normally, Hoy's family would be guests of the club for his debut game but these are obviously not normal times.

"It's a bummer but I'd rather not be going when there is no crowd - it wouldn't be the same," Matt said.

"I'll be on the lounge watching at home and Andrew is going to be commentating anyway so it's going to be epic. It's just great to see the footy back finally. It's been boring without it."

Hoy will not only be filling the No.1 jumper normally occupied by Ponga, he has also been handed the goal-kicking responsibilities by Knights coach Adam O'Brien.

His dad, who was the sixth-ranked surfer in the world at the height of his career, is confident his boy will handle all the pressure.

"He's pretty cruisy. He's been in lockdown with Kalyn and Connor [Watson] so he's not getting any outside influences," he said.

"I've spoken to him a few times and he says he hasn't been thinking too much about the game which is good.

"Once they're at home those guys, they don't talk much footy which would be a good thing as well.

"But it's the biggest lead up ever to a debut I reckon. He's had 60 days or whatever it is since that second game and Kalyn got the suspension.

"I think they pretty much told him then he was in and then they called it all off and it didn't happen. So it's been months in the making. Special times, that's for sure."

The 20-year-old Hoy provided a glimpse of what was to come after starring for the Knights in the NRL Nines in Perth back in February. He was one of the stars of the tournament after catching the eye of coach O'Brien in the pre-season.

But he is not the only debutant for the club on Sunday.

Lakes United junior Chris Randall will also be playing his first top grade game at hooker, coming off the bench as a substitute for starting No.9 Watson.

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: