The Magpies have only progressed past round four in the FA Cup once in the past 10 seasons but judging from his team selection, Benitez looks intent on mounting a push for a first major trophy since 1955.
By his own admission Benitez is "working hard" to add new faces in the January transfer window.
He will be pleased there is no serious damage to captain Jamaal Lascelles - who left the field with an injury as a precaution after the opening goal.
And the Spaniard will likely be content with the fact his side could ease their intensity after the break as they get ready for a crucial fixture against relegation-rivals Swansea next weekend.
'We had a good go' - managers' reaction
Newcastle United manager Rafa Benitez: "I said in the news conference we wanted to approach the game with a strong team to make sure we were going through.
"First half we finished really well. We were 3-0 up, maybe it's harder to keep concentration in the second half.
"In the second half we needed more experience to manage these games. Keep the ball and then a fourth goal would have finished it, but we couldn't do it."