Cogger has been handed the play-making reins for Newcastle's 6.15pm clash with Melbourne at McDonald Jones Stadium on Sunday after coming off the bench in the opening two rounds.

The 26-year-old's elevation to the starting side comes after consecutive losses to North Queensland (21-20) and Canberra (28-12) and coincides with the return of hooker Jayden Brailey, who was named on the bench.

Hastings will play NSW Cup against North Sydney at the same venue at 3.45pm.

Cogger, who made 20 appearances for Newcastle between 2016-18 before stints with Canterbury, Huddersfield and Penrith, last started at halfback for the Knights in round 16, 2018.

Ironically, Hastings hasn't played NSW Cup for about the same amount of time, last featuring in a reserve-grade game for Manly's feeder club Blacktown in round 15, 2018.

O'Brien stuck with Hastings in the first two games despite calls from Knights legend Matthew Johns and four-time NRL premiership winner Cooper Cronk for Cogger to play halfback.

Hastings scored a late consolation try in round one, and had a try-assist last week.

But with pressure building ahead of facing Melbourne, who are unbeaten, and the Warriors in New Zealand in round four, O'Brien has made the switch.

The coach was also forced into further changes after winger Greg Marzhew suffered a broken wrist against the Cowboys.

Marzhew is facing four to six weeks on the sidelines, the Knights said on Tuesday.

Enari Tuala, who sustained a quad injury in round one, has been named to return in place of the winger.

Prop Jack Hetherington remains under an injury cloud after rolling an ankle against the Cowboys, but he was included on the bench.

Newcastle's extended match squad includes Brodie Jones, Will Pryce, Mat Croker, Dylan Lucas and Hastings.

Croker missed the season opener due to a tooth problem but returned last week in the NSW Cup side's 30-16 loss to St George Illawarra.

One positive for the Knights is Brailey's long-awaited comeback.

The experienced 27-year-old strained a hamstring ahead of last month's trials, but hasn't played since last April when he ruptured an anterior cruciate ligament.

Lock Adam Elliott, who scored a double in Townsville on Saturday, said while it was shattering to lose in golden-point extra time, he felt it was an improved performance overall.

"It's about building better foundations, and I think we went a long way," he said.

"Even in round one, a lot of people from the outside looking in probably don't think we did, but I think our defence in that game, particularly through the middle-third of the field and the way that we started, was really good against a really big, aggressive Canberra pack.

"We've gone up to Townsville, we didn't get the result, but I still think we dug the foot in and created some more foundations that we can play off this week.

"It will be the foundation style of football that gets us the win against the Storm.

"We need to be gritty, we need to be tough. High completions, start well both halves and defend well."

As expected, Melbourne will be minus regular halves Cameron Munster (injured) and Jahrome Hughes (suspension). Jonah Pezet and Tyran Wishart will play five-eighth and halfback, respectively. Forward Christian Welch is out due to a head knock in the Storm's 30-26 win over the Warriors.

Central Newcastle junior Grant Anderson was named Melbourne's 18th man.