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![\"Morgan](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/knowles-260113-training-01891.jpg\"\/)
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\n Morgan Knowles training with the Dolphins.
\n \u00a9The Dolphins
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English import Morgan Knowles knows he has a challenge ahead to maintain a place in the Dolphins line-up this year, with the club\u2019s forward stocks replenished and looking to fire.<\/p>\n
The \u201cproud Cumbrian\u201d 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\u2019s team.<\/p>\n
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\n Morgan Knowles training with the Dolphins.
\n \u00a9The Dolphins
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\u201cThat’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,\u201d Knowles said.<\/p>\n
\u201cFirst and foremost\u00a0for 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.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cThe standard (at the Dolphins) from the top lads to the rookies coming in, everyone brings something.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey are big, strong athletes and everything is a bit quicker. The sessions are bigger and longer.\u201d<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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Back at full contact: Gilbert eyes Round 1 return<\/p>\n
Kurt\u00a0Donoghoe \u2013 who played the majority of the 2025 season at lock \u2013 is set to fill in at nine, leaving space for Knowles to make his NRL debut in his favoured position.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe 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,\u201d Knowles said.<\/p>\n
\u201c(But) I am a lighter middle forward, so it suits my game a little bit more.\u201d<\/p>\n
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\n ![\"Morgan](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/79993683_knowlesm-2025-11-01_great_britain_australia_ct_120_202511202014.jpg\"\/)
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\n Morgan Knowles in action for England in the 2025 Ashes series.
\n \u00a9NRL Images
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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.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt’s really different for me, I’ve only known one club. I came through the academy at Saints and had my full career there,\u201d Knowles said.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt’s refreshing being at a new club and a new competition in the\u00a0NRL.<\/p>\n
\u201cObviously, 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.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt was a tough decision. I love the club at St Helens. I was just ready for a new challenge,\u00a0take myself out of my comfort zone and come over here and prove myself again. If I could do a\u00a0quarter of what some of those English boys have come over and done I’d be very happy.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt was pretty daunting coming over to a different competition, different country and not knowing anyone.<\/p>\n
\u201cHaving the comfort of him knowing the player I am and person, and me likewise having that trust, was a big reason behind my decision.\u201d<\/p>\n