Wes Naiqama in doubt for Knights
By Philip Henderson
AAP
Newcastle back Adam MacDougall remains an outside chance of lining up against Parramatta on Friday with Knights centre Wes Naiqama in doubt for the NRL clash after missing training.
MacDougall has been named as 18th man for the match at Parramatta Stadium after missing last weekend's win over Manly with a knee injury.
But the veteran three-quarter may yet be rushed back into the starting side after coach Brian Smith said Naiqama was absent from training because of a "private matter".
"Wes Naiqama was unable to train today, so we've got a little bit of sorting out to do in that position," Smith told reporters.
"I'm happy with Adam. He had a run this morning, he didn't train with the team and he's probably unlikely for Friday night ... but he's an outside chance I suppose.
"Wes has got a private matter to attend to today, so we'll just see where he's at tomorrow.
"I'm hopeful that Wes will be okay."
Parramatta Test backrower Nathan Hindmarsh is expected to play despite the death of his father.
Bill Hindmarsh passed away early today after a battle with cancer, but in a statement, the Eels said "it was Bill's wish that Nathan play in this Friday night's match against the Newcastle Knights".