Newcastle is heading into the NRL finals struggling, as prop Trey Mooney has been sidelined for the remainder of the year.
The club announced on Wednesday that Mooney fractured his shoulder blade during last week's defeat to the Warriors and will not return to play in 2026.
His absence comes alongside a significant four-game suspension for teammate Daniel Saifiti, who received the ban for a high tackle in the 46-32 loss in Auckland last Sunday.
Mooney and Saifiti have been the Knights' top front-row duo for most of the season, so their absence will be significantly felt.
Newcastle is also missing State of Origin player Dylan Lucas and five-eighth Dylan Brown, but they did receive some good news as Francis Manuleleua was cleared of a fractured arm.
Although Manueleua did not finish the match against the Warriors, scans showed he only dislocated his elbow and might play in the Knights' elimination final.
With a bye in the final round, Newcastle is hoping South Sydney loses to a heavily altered Sydney Roosters side this week, allowing them to secure a home elimination game in the first week of the finals.