Newcastle NRL prop Kade Snowden will return to action on Saturday for the first time since his seven-match ban for breaking the jaw of North Queensland hooker Ray Thompson.
The former Cronulla and NSW front-rower has been selected to play in the Knights' trial match against Canberra in Tamworth.
Snowden was sent from the field in round 24 last year after a sickening shoulder charge to the head of the Thompson that left the 24-year-old hooker needing three metal plates and 10 screws inserted in his face.
He was slugged with a grade four charge and pleaded guilty, missing the final five games of the Knights' season and the Rugby League World Cup, where he was due to represent Ireland.
He served the final week of his suspension last week when the Knights played the Sydney Roosters in Wyong.
Snowden's fellow front-rower Willie Mason on Thursday pleaded guilty to one count of drink driving after he was breath-tested on his way to training.
The Knights forward allegedly recorded a blood alcohol reading of 0.09 after being pulled over for a random breath test on his way to training on January 27.
He will be sentenced next month.
