The Newcastle Knights have announced that veteran prop Jacob Saifiti will miss the remainder of 2026 due to suspension.
Additionally, front rower Trey Mooney is sidelined after suffering a fractured scapula during the Round 26 defeat against the Warriors, leaving the 24-year-old out of the finals.
The club also confirmed that back row sensation Francis Manueleua dislocated his elbow in New Zealand, but there's hope he could still participate in the finals.
"Scans have confirmed there are no fractures to the arm, with Manueleua now undertaking an intensive rehabilitation program as he pushes to be available for the finals campaign," the club mentioned in a statement.
This season has been challenging for the Knights' forwards, with Dylan Lucas out for the season due to a severe ankle injury sustained in Round 21.
International hooker Phoenix Crossland is attempting to recover in time for the first week of finals after undergoing knee surgery.
Moreover, interchange second rower Brodie Jones has been sidelined for several weeks due to a hamstring issue.
On a positive note, veteran Tyson Frizell is set to return for Newcastle's elimination final after a one-week suspension, alongside England international winger Dom Young.