NRL

There were whispers at the very start of the week when first-choice Knights hooker Phoenix Crossland was facing a multiple-week suspension for his tackle on Nathan Cleary.

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They grew just a little louder when the 19-year-old was named on the Knights’ extended reserves bench last Tuesday, and then became even louder still when he was elevated to 20th man last night when the 2026 Grand Final squads were trimmed.

Now, following comments on Channel 9 from Newcastle Knights legend Andrew Johns, all the noise says Diesel Hagan is about to make his first-grade debut in the 2026 NRL Grand Final.

In fact, Johns even suggested the teenager may well start the match ahead of Harrison Graham and Thomas Cant.

MORE: ‘You’re a soldier brother’: Knights players send messages of support as fans set for NRL Grand Final in hospital

Of course, this may all just be an elaborate ruse to disrupt the Roosters’ preparations.

But if Hagan does indeed play tonight he will become the first grand final debutant since Balmain Tigers centre Eddie Lockhart way back in 1936 whose side lost 32-12 to the Eastern Suburbs Roosters at the SCG.

So, who exactly is Diesel Hagan?

Born and bred in the Upper Hunter region, Hagan grew up as a Knights fan.

His father Ben even won an SG Ball premiership with Newcastle back in 2001, the last year the Knights won the NRL title.

This year Hagan was captain of the New South Wales U19 side, leading a team that also included other exciting NRL prospects such as Onitoni Large, Toby Winter and Ryda Talagi.

At club level Hagan began 2026 as back-up hooker for Newcastle in NSW Cup, before securing the starting No.9 spot mid-season and never looking back.

In the NRL, he’s been an unused reserve twice for Justin Holbrook since Round 23 but is yet to step foot on the field.

That could all be about to change tonight at Accor Stadium.

Final Knights and Roosters teams are expected to confirmed at around 6:00pm on Sunday.

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So, who exactly is Diesel Hagan?

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