Newcastle Knights enforcer Jacob Saifiti could be facing a lengthy stint on the sidelines after he was sent from the field following a nasty hit on Luke Laulilii.
Laulilii was on New Zealand Warriors debut when Saifiti rushed out of the line on Sunday afternoon to put on a statement shot, getting his timing wrong and catching the winger high with a shoulder.
The Perth Bears-bound outside back was knocked out, but thankfully was able to get to his feet and walk off the field after replays showed direct contact to his head.
Saifiti was swiftly sent from the field in the 13th minute, and will be nervously waiting his verdict from the NRL's match review committee to see if his season is over.
With the Knights closing in on a top four spot, it will be a monumental blow for Saifiti to miss the club's finals campaign, who leads from the front with his presence.
“He rushes out of the line, there's a lack of duty of care,” referee Adam Gee told Knights captain Kalyn Ponga after the incident.
“Direct, very forceful contract with the shoulder.
“He's on report, off."
Saifiti is the second player sent off in 2026, with Dragons forward Jaydn Su'A shown red by the referee in Round 7.
Things went from bad to worse for the Knights, with young gun Francis Manuleleua suffering a suspected serious elbow injury, requiring the green whistle in the late stages of the first half in Auckland.
Manuleleua burst onto the scene in 2026 and immediately impressed, and is now looking at a long lay-off with his nasty arm injury.
Newcastle will have a bye in the final round, meaning Saifiti's looming suspension will take him straight into the finals campaign.
