Newcastle co-captain Jamie Buhrer is confident Jack Cogger will show the rugby league community why he has got so much promise as a regular first grader against the Manly Sea Eagles in the Telstra Premiership on Friday night at Brookvale Oval.
With star No.7 Mitchell Pearce sidelined for at least 10 weeks, Cogger will start in his favoured position at halfback along side Connor Watson who has returned from a shoulder injury.
"We have complete faith in him - that's why he is there," Buhrer said.
"He needs to take this opportunity and we are here to support him and we are confident in his ability.
"He's had a great week at training and a good game on the weekend.
"So, it's more or less about backing himself and knowing the confidence that you've earned that jumper and make it our won."
Buhrer said Cogger wasn't expected to fill the void left by Pearce alone.
"It's not even a conversation that I have had with him because it would be getting him to think it over too much," Buhrer said.
"I just would like him to go out there and to play football.
Match highlights: Wests Tigers v Knights - Round 7, 2018
"It's not up to one individual to replace Mitchell because it's up to us all to collectively help and to pitch in.
"There's a reason why we brought Mitchell to the club because he does have good qualities about him.
"But we're not expecting Jack Cogger to suddenly be Mitchell Pearce."
It will be a return home to Brookvale Oval for the co-captain where he played 126 games for the Sea Eagles from 2010 to 2016.
"I am a Knight now and I am going down there to win and to break the heart of Manly fans," Buhrer said.
"I always enjoy playing there and it will not be any different on Friday night.
Sea Eagles v Knights - Round 8
Buhrer said the Sea Eagles would be desperate for a win after a tough fortnight off the field and a heavy loss to Parramatta last round.
"Going down to Brookvale is always going to be a tough task," Buhrer said
"It's obviously going to be very tough for us as Manly have also had their fair share of scrutiny.
"But our wins this year have come of the back of our boys wanting to work very hard for each other.
"So, I am hopeful we can do another performance like that on Friday night."
