Daniel Saifiti first casualty of Knights’ salary cap cleanout
Daniel Saifiti has been identified as the first casualty in the Newcastle Knights efforts to clean up their $2 million salary cap mess for the 2025 season.
Although he is currently under contract until 2026, reports indicate that he has been encouraged to consider opportunities for the 2025 NRL season and beyond.
There is a possibility that the Knights may need to continue paying a portion of Saifiti’s salary if he decides to play for another team next year.
Sources indicate that Saifiti’s annual earnings are set at $750,000, but his recent on-field performances have not justified his price tag, leading to less playing time.
In a statement, the former State of Origin prop acknowledged the challenges with the club’s salary cap situation.
Saifiti expressed gratitude for their transparency in discussions about his future, and while he could choose to remain steadfast and remain with the team, he emphasised his connection with the club.
He also reflected on how supportive and positive his experience has been with both himself and his brother Jacob at the club.
Among the players from the Knights facing an uncertain future are Jack Hetherington and hooker Jayden Brailey.
During an NRL360 segment on Monday night, Read mentioned that the departures of Saifiti, Brailey, and Hetherington could save the team $2 million.
“They will because they will let go of say Daniel Saifiti, who has been told he’s free to leave and he’s on $800,000,” Read said.
“Jack Hetherington, I don’t think (Jayden) Brailey has been told right now he can go, but it will happen, I imagine, in the next week or so that he’s told he can find something else.
It’s crucial for them to manage their salary cap properly since any breaches would lead to contract registration issues with the NRL.
They need to ensure their roster is well balanced.
They are unable to add players because they have reached the maximum cap limit.
The Knights continue their recruitment efforts and are rumoured to be interested in promising Parramatta Eels player Blaize Talagi.