Newcastle Knights have provided an update on two key forwards ahead of their upcoming finals series in 2026.
Rising star Francis Manuleleua suffered a dislocated elbow right before half-time when he was bent backwards and extended his arm out awkwardly causing the nasty injury.
Manuleleua was immediately aided by club medical staff with the use of the green whistle and swiftly taken off the field.
The Knights have confirmed there was no fracture present in the 22-year-old's arm, meaning his chances for a return before the end of the year are still alive.
He will now undergo an intense rehabilitation process on his elbow to push to be available for the Knights' finals campaign.
The exciting Kiwi prospect recently extended his contract in the Hunter after bursting onto the scene and immediately impressing.
Manuleleua will now remain at the club until the end of 2028, and shapes up as an important piece of the club's forward stocks moving into Justin Holbrook's new era.
Meanwhile, recruit forward Trey Mooney will be ruled out for the rest of the season after scans revealed the front rower had fractured his scapula during the match against the Warriors.
The Knights have already lost plenty of key personnel for their push for premiership glory this year, including stars Dylan Lucas and Dylan Brown, who suffered long-term injuries in July.
On top of the double-Dylan blow, Jacob Saifiti will miss the remainder of the NRL season after getting an aggressive tackle wrong on a Warriors' Luke Laulilii, hitting him high and with the shoulder which resulted in a four-week suspension for the NSW Blues representative.
The Knights will soak up a much-needed bye at this time of the year in Round 27 before they go into battle in Week 1 of the elimination finals.
