Newcastle are weighing their hooker options for Sunday's NRL grand final, with Phoenix Crossland suspended.
Sydney Roosters utility Connor Watson will also miss the decider against his former club after failing concussion protocols, becoming the first player to miss a grand final because of concussion.
Watson was diagnosed with a category-one concussion after being dazed and leaving the field in the Roosters' preliminary-final win over the Dolphins.
NRL rules require an 11-day stand-down. Watson was testing well ahead of a Thursday appointment with an independent specialist, but the club confirmed Friday that he had not been cleared.
The decision ends Watson's Roosters career; he joins St George Illawarra next season before linking up with the PNG Chiefs in 2028.
His absence is likely to bring hooker Benaiah Ioelu into the Roosters' 19-man squad as cover for Reece Robson.
"I don't think it takes too much to work out what plan B is, but we have got some really good hookers," Robinson said on Thursday.
"Benaiah Ioelu played some great footy for us this year. He brings a lot of energy to us as well so he will come into consideration then."
For Newcastle, Harrison Graham is an option off the bench, while coach Justin Holbrook could start Thomas Cant or Diesel Hagan.
Holbrook can name his final team 90 minutes before kick-off.