Newcastle is anxious about a potential hip-drop tackle charge against Dom Young after he was sin-binned, jeopardizing their chance for a home final in a surprising 44-24 loss to Manly.
During a disheartening Old Boys' Day in Newcastle, the Knights squandered an 18-6 lead, putting their playoff position at risk as they may need a victory over the Warriors next week to secure sixth place.
Adding to the tension, Young might miss the beginning of the finals due to a hip-drop tackle that resulted in a syndesmosis injury for Manly star Tolu Koula.
Koula will undergo scans, and a grade-three charge could sideline Young from the first week of the finals, as the Knights have a bye in the last round.
"Every player is important. It was unfortunate," said Knights coach Justin Holbrook.
"When you see him chasing (Koula) down trying to stop a try, that's what he's trying to do. That's the way I looked at it and didn't realize he landed like that."
"He had both his feet on the ground, so hopefully all that helps him. It's out of my hands now, but we'll deal with whatever happens. Hopefully he's OK."
Saturday's defeat ended Newcastle's top-four aspirations, and Holbrook's team must now triumph over the in-form Warriors to ensure a home final.
This outcome also revived Manly's slim finals hopes, as Kieran Foran's side ended a six-game losing streak, demonstrating the attacking prowess they showed mid-season.
Although unlikely, the Sea Eagles need to win against St George Illawarra and the Warriors while hoping South Sydney or North Queensland finishes winless.
"I do like my maths and I've been crunching a few numbers," captain Tom Trbojevic joked.
"Unfortunately, we have put ourselves in a position where we will be relying on certain things to go the way. All we could focus on today was coming here and winning. We'll go back home and look to do that again."
Manly may be left questioning their lack of attacking flair over the previous two months, having dropped from third place to only a mathematical chance of reaching finals.
Centre Josh Feledy scored three tries while stepping in for Koula, and Clayton Faulalo impressed in his first match wearing the No.6 jersey.
Trbojevic also posed a threat upon his return, despite enduring multiple falls and suffering a hip-drop tackle from Tyson Frizell.
The Sea Eagles exploited Newcastle's right side, scoring first in the third minute when Lehi Hopoate set Faulalo free.
However, Manly became vulnerable on that side while Faulalo was assessed for a head injury, allowing Kalyn Ponga, Fletcher Sharpe, and Young to wreak havoc, propelling the Knights to a 16-6 advantage.
Things shifted drastically when Newcastle opted for a penalty goal to lead 18-6, which was quickly followed by Jermaine McEwan losing possession on the next play.
Trbojevic capitalized, assisting Caleb Navale to score upon his return from an ACL injury, while Feledy added two more tries in four minutes with Young in the sin bin, making it 24-18.
The Sea Eagles dominated the second half, continuing their offensive pressure against Newcastle's edges, showcasing the significant challenges that lie ahead.
Dane Gagai is expected to return from a hamstring injury for the finals, but any suspension for Young will necessitate further adjustments on Newcastle's right side.