7th Tackle: Knights set to bolster forward pack

Newcastle are on the verge of deepening their forward stocks after meeting with two hookers over the past fortnight.

7th Tackle can reveal Bulldogs rake Michael Lichaa and Cameron Smith's understudy at the Storm, Slade Griffin, are in serious talks with the Knights.

Rocked by the premature retirement of Rory Kostjayson (throat), the Knights are looking to deepen their hooking ranks beyond youngster Danny Levi.

It's understood both Lichaa and Griffin have already travelled to Newcastle to meet with coach Nathan Brown.

A prized recruit from Cronulla in 2014, Lichaa appears certain to depart the Dogs as part of the club's bid to offload players and comply with the next year's lower-than-expected salary cap.

Griffin has impressed in limited appearances at Melbourne this year but is locked in a tough battle with rising Kiwi hooker Brandon Smith to become the Storm's next No.9.

Melbourne recently extended Smith's contract until the end of 2022.