The Newcastle Knights have confirmed Phoenix Crossland is on track for the opening week of the finals after having a clean-out surgery on his knee.
Head coach Justin Holbrook didn't say it was a certainty, but indicated that this was the projected timeline for Crossland, who went in for the operation after last week's surprise loss to the Manly Sea Eagles at home.
It means he will miss this weekend's game against the New Zealand Warriors in Auckland, with the Knights then taking advantage of their bye in the final round to ensure a two-week breather for Crossland ahead of the finals, which they have qualified for, but could still need to win this weekend to lock up a home elimination spot.
"He is doing well, so hopefully the finals week he will be back," Holbrook said of Crossland at a media opportunity before his side fly out to Auckland.
"He is one of those players we have been talking about carrying a lot of things. Sore back, sore calf and now his knee, so it will do him the world of good.
"The fact we have had to slow him down a bit, I think, will help him, and we will be better for it in the finals."
Crossland has been one of the key performers for the Knights throughout the course of the 2026 campaign, with the dummy half winning the role and cementing it as his own.
He has now re-signed with the Knights long-term, and is pushing to represent New Zealand at the end of year Rugby League World Cup.
The Knights will replace Crossland with Harrison Graham for their final game of the regular season, who has also impressed this year.
Holbrook also confirmed veteran outside back Dane Gagai is on track to play in Auckland as he returns from injury.
"He is good to go, which is great. It was tight on him last week so we didn't want to risk it, but he has trained well this week," the coach said of Gagai's fitness.
Gagai will prove a key member of the Knights heading into the finals before he moves to the Brisbane Broncos next year.
