Connor Watson has responded in style to conjecture over Newcastle's No.6 jersey, starring in the Knights' come-from-behind NRL win over Gold Coast.
In the same week debate revolved around whether Kalyn Ponga should play five-eighth for the Knights when he returns from a hamstring injury next round, Watson had one of his best games for the club in their 30-24 win at McDonald Jones Stadium.
Watson had seven tackle busts and 114m on Saturday, and set up the match-winning try when he went down the short side at 24-24 with eight minutes to play then passed back inside for centre Shaun Kenny-Dowall to cross.
"I thought Connor was the best player on the field tonight," Knights captain Mitchell Pearce said.
"We weren't as good in defence and we needed some attacking brilliance to get us over the line.
"I thought Connor's speed - running five-eighths are some of the best threats in the game."
Watson was signed as a No.6 for the Knights last year and coach Nathan Brown has indicated no switch will take place.
However, questions were raised as Newcastle won just two of nine games without Pearce through the middle of the year, with Watson the constant in the halves during that period.
With Pearce back fit as an organiser, though, the Knights look a far better team.
Any switch would likely leave Watson at fullback, or in the same kind of utility role he played at the Roosters.
Part of the debate has often centred on Watson's ball-playing ability, but Pearce said Saturday's win showed how he had developed that aspect.
"We've got a pretty handy attacking coach here with Browny," Pearce said.
"I think that's slowed his ball-playing up a lot. I think everyone is starting to see Connor's game evolving as a ball player.
"He is obviously a natural runner and I think the best ball players are natural runners first. He is only going to evolve.
"Browny has been doing a lot of work with him. He's slowed his feet up and his pass selection and he won the game for us tonight."
