Kalyn Ponga's full-time move into the No.6 jersey will be tested for the first time in Friday night's Harvey Norman All Stars match at AAMI Park.
After playing predominantly at fullback or as a winger during his still-young career, Ponga is set to partner Mitchell Pearce in the halves at the Knights during the 2019 Telstra Premiership.
The 2018 Dally M Medal runner-up played at five-eighth against the Panthers in round 23 last season and will be in that role again on Friday night.
"I have been training there [at five-eighth] through the whole pre-season and I am actually glad I can play in six on Friday just to get some experience in that position," Ponga said in Melbourne on Tuesday.
"For team dynamics, I sort of sat down with [Knights coach Nathan Brown] Browny and had a look at the season I had and where I can best fit for next season and we just made a call on it.
"Through the pre-season, it was a bit of trial and error and it still will be through until round one, but I just want to put my best foot forward in that position."
Ponga, Gagai embracing haka education
Friday night's contest will be the first time Ponga has worn the Maori jersey, with the Western Australian-born youngster qualifying for the side on account of his New Zealand parents.
Ponga, who lived in New Zealand for seven years, is enjoying being in camp with his new teammates.
"Being amongst the boys and learning everything, it rubs off on you and that's why it's so exciting to be here," he said.
I am actually glad I can play in six on Friday just to get some experience in that position
Maori All Stars five-eighth Kalyn Ponga
"The way the boys speak, you forget that being over here.
"Living in Australia, especially in Newcastle, I don't get exposed to it all that much.
"I am very happy that I was allowed to represent my culture as it is very important and I am glad that I can be a part of it."
While Ponga is comfortable on the field, he admits he isn't quite as confident when it comes to doing the haka. He will perform the cultural dance with teammates on Friday night.
Ponga said he hadn't performed the haka in about eight years.
"I have been learning over the last couple of days," Ponga admitted.
"It's okay if I make a mistake now, as long as I am all good by Friday."
