Newcastle coach Michael Hagan has backed Andrew Johns to break rugby league's all-time pointscoring record in the Knights match with Cronulla this Saturday.

The champion halfback needs just 18 points to eclipse former Parramatta, North Sydney and Wests star Jason Taylor's record mark of 2,107 career first grade points.

And Hagan believes Johns can do it this weekend at EnergyAustralia Stadium.

"We've all seen how lethal Joey is when he's playing at his best and he's capable of an 18 point haul, especially with a home crowd behind him," said Hagan.

Johns started the season fourth on the all-time list with 1963 points, but with 127 points in 12 games this season has moved past ex-Eels great Michael Cronin (1971) and former New Zealand international Daryl Halligan (2034) to be within reach of Taylor - now Parramatta's head coach.

Saturday's match will also mark the return of Knights' 1997 grand final hero Darren Albert to Newcastle, with the winger playing his first game at EnergyAustralia Stadium since joining Cronulla after several seasons in the English Super League.

After being rested for last weekend's disappointing loss to the New Zealand Warriors, the Knights have recalled Test hooker Danny Buderus for the Sharks match.

"It was important Danny had the week off to rest but now everyone is back on deck we need to improve to stay in the top eight and keep our finals campaign on track," said Hagan.

Fullback David Seage - who missed last Sunday's game after failing a fitness test - has also been named for his return after five weeks on the sidelines with a hamstring injury, while utility forward Riley Brown has been ruled out with a shoulder concern.

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