The Knights won’t be rushing into signing a hooker despite their co-captain Jayden Brailey set to miss half of the season with an Achilles injury.

Brailey tore his Achilles at training last weekend and will undergo surgery this week. He is looking at four to six months on the sidelines.

The Knights were in this exact position in 2020 when Brailey tore his ACL in Round 2. The club signed veteran Broncos hooker Andrew McCullough for the rest of the season, however recruitment manager Clint Zammit told the Newcastle Herald the club won’t be rushing down that same path again.

“We’re not panicking,” Zammit said.

“We’re just going to be patient. We don’t need to make any rash decisions.”

The Knights are better prepared this time round and Zammit has faith in the three options coach Adam O’Brien has for Round 1.

Back-up hooker Chris Randall now has 12 NRL games under his belt and was upgraded to the Top 30 over the off-season, while Phoenix Crossland has spent some time at hooker and utility Kurt Mann is also available.

“There’s no point going out and signing someone who is no better than what we’ve already got,” Zammit said.

“Hopefully Jayden will only be out for half a season, and we’ve got Chris Randall there, who’s done a good job for us in the past.

“And guys like Phoenix Crossland and Kurt Mann can provide some cover.”

The Knights confirmed Brailey’s injury on Monday evening.

“Scans have confirmed nib Newcastle Knights Captain, Jayden Brailey, has suffered a ruptured achilles tendon in his left leg, during a non-contact team training session last Saturday,” a statement read.

“Brailey will undergo surgery later this week to repair the injury and determine his rehabilitation timeline, with hopes of a return to play in the second half of the 2022 season.

The Newcastle Knights would like to thank everyone for their well wishes and support for Jayden, who we know will tackle his recovery with the same professionalism and tenacity he applies to his football.”