Just like starting over: No more top-ups as Jones logs big minutes

Brodie Jones's recent promotion into Newcastle's start 13 is welcome news on many fronts, none more so than finally being able to avoid "top-ups" after a game.

Tyson Frizell's six-week ankle injury has opened the door for Jones to start over the past fortnight for the first time in his NRL career, meaning his minutes have significantly increased.

Previously, if the 23-year-old played under 30 minutes a game he could be seen running sprint drills up and down the field the following day to make up his fitness while everyone else attended recovery.

"No one likes doing that," Jones grinned.

"Because it's so different to the match fitness, nothing compares to it. it's a different type of fitness.

"I've bounced around positions and patched jobs this year so to actually start, I haven't played this many minutes at second row since my debut in May last year."

And while the 23-year-old has endured a difficult initiation with losses against South Sydney and Parramatta in recent weeks, he's taken the positives out of his own promotion in the side.

The last time Jones played more than 70 minutes came in round six against the Sharks when he produced an epic performance in the centres after Hymel Hunt went down with a hamstring injury.

The Cessnock junior could've felt hard done by when he was benched and restricted to just 15 minutes a game for the next three weeks.

Instead, he accepted Knights coach Adam O'Brien's decision and went back to a limited bench role.

"Adam and I have got a pretty good relationship, he's straightforward with me," Jones said.

"I show a lot of belief in him and trust him with my game. I've only started back row since I've come into the NRL pre-seasons over the last couple of years.

"It's been a good experience. It's taken a bit toll on my body. It's not as technical as the middle, where something is happening all the time."

Jones said Frizell's influence on his game had been enormous this year, while he's also received advice throughout his career from retired Roosters captain Boyd Cordner.

The Hunter product is close to Cordner's cousin, Kurtis Dark, whose brother Joel tragically passed away during a rugby league match last year.

"Boyd gives me a bit of tips and advice, nothing too much but little bits and pieces whenever I see or speak to him," Jones said.

"Tyson has been awesome, he can physically get through 80 minutes a game on the right edge and produces quality in doing so. He's someone who has helped me a lot since I've moved to the back row."

Jones is off contract at the Knights this season and after recently moving back home with his family near Cessnock, wants to remain at the club.

"I enjoy it, love the lifestyle and being a country kid I don't like the city life, but we'll see what happens," he said.

"You just don't know these days."