But after training alongside Mullen for almost two hours at Mayfield on Thursday, Rochow seemed convinced the 27-year-old five-eighth is ready to return from the torn hamstring he suffered during the Auckland Nines quarter-finals at Eden Park almost eight weeks ago.

Mullen was not in the team coach Wayne Bennett named on Tuesday but appears certain to be included in the Newcastle travelling party that heads to the national capital.

The smart money is on Mullen making his first appearance for the season, replacing former Raider Michael Dobson at pivot.

‘‘Jarrod brings a lot of structure and he’s a calm head that we need on the field, and obviously his skills speak for themselves, so hopefully he’ll be back this week,’’ Rochow said.

‘‘He’s been looking good on the training field, so to have him back is a great boost for our team.

‘‘He wanted to play last week but it’s a matter of convincing the physio and doctor that he’s 100 per cent. There’s a difference between training and playing 80 minutes, so hopefully he gets through.’’

Though he was disappointed with his own form and the team’s poor performance in their 28-2 loss to the Cowboys in Townsville on Monday night, Rochow said the problems were not irreparable.

Rochow said the Knights continued to draw inspiration from injured teammate Alex McKinnon, who was transferred on Monday to Sydney’s Royal North Shore Hospital.

‘‘He seems to be in good spirits and that’s the main thing,’’ Rochow said.

‘‘He’s got a tough road ahead of him, so any positives he needs to look for, he’s getting at the moment and he’s in a good frame of mind, and hopefully we can get to see him soon when we’ve got a home game or a long turnaround.

‘‘It’s just a matter of when he’s ready and when he’s willing to see someone.

‘‘We don’t ring him too much. I just leave him a message and if he wants to call, he can call, but we’ll wait until he’s ready before we go down and visit him.’’