Although he missed a tackle that led to a Cronulla try and the Knights went down 16-13 in another thriller the 20-year-old Fijian flyer showed flashes of brilliance and brawn and scored a try from Jarrod Mullen's cross-field bomb five minutes before half-time.

Coach Brian Smith kept Uate's maiden appearance under wraps, but the former Australian Schoolboys sensation said he knew on Friday, after Adam MacDougall withdrew with a calf injury, that he would be starting against the Sharks.

"Aku was outstanding, and I thought he looked as if he thought he should be there," Smith said.

"He was dynamic and strong and confident.

"He's got some things to learn but it was a very encouraging debut.

"He's been a very patient young fella, working hard to become a professional player, and it was a really nice debut. I was very pleased for him."

Foundation Knights lock Marc Glanville, who was named in the club's 20-year Team of the Era last season, presented Uate with his first top-grade jersey before the game.

Uate became the 209th player to play first grade for the Knights, the club's 10th new face this year and 26th overall used this season.

He was close to NRL selection several times last year and again during this season, but the presence of James McManus and Cooper Vuna and Smith's sense of picking the right moment meant he had to cool his heels in the second-tier NSW Cup.

"I'm really happy with my performance," the softly spoken speedster said.

"I've just been patient. I knew I was close to getting a run in first grade, but I just had to wait.

"I slept good [on Friday night] and didn't worry about anything. I was a bit nervous before the game, but once I got in and had my first run I was more confident and felt all right."

Uate described his first NRL experience as similar to the standard of a NSW Cup game "but just a bit faster and more physical".

"I was pretty happy with scoring a try," he said.

"Hopefully I can stay there when we play at home [against Souths] next week."