Dane Gagai's contest with Latrell Mitchell left the Newcastle veteran struggling physically ahead of the Knights' semi-final against the New Zealand Warriors.
Gagai, 35, had been outstanding against Mitchell last Friday, but expected the effects of their duel to linger during the nine-day turnaround.
He remained sore more than three days after the match, despite Newcastle having Monday off.
"I was pretty sore Saturday," Gagai said. "[But] you're always worse the second day, and even though we had Monday off, which was nice, I was still feeling it.
Gagai had also watched Mitchell's post-match comments about their confrontation.
"I saw the interview with Latrell after the game and how he said it was refreshing and good to have that battle."