Knights rule out prop for do-or-die NRL semi-final

September 15, 2023 5:17 pm.by Staff Writer

Daniel Saifiti has been ruled out of the Knights NRL final against New Zealand — Daniel Saifiti will miss the Knights semi-final against New Zealand with a hamstring complaint. Picture: NRL Media.

The Newcastle Knights have ruled out prop Daniel Saifiti for their semi-final clash against the New Zealand Warriors in Auckland on Saturday.

The Knights trimmed their squad down to 19 on Friday afternoon, with with Saifiti (hamstring) ruled out and Brodie jones being called up onto the bench.

The Knights have not made any further changes to the team that defeated Canberra 30-28 in a scintillating NRL clash on Sunday, with Enari Tuala and Fa’amanu Brown staying on the extended bench.

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The Warriors have recalled half-back Shaun Johnson after he missed their 32-6 loss to flag favourite Penrith, with his absence throwing their team balance out.

The Kiwi team will need to be switched on with the Knights having won 10 successive games on the back of a rock-solid defence.

The Warriors are a $1.55 chance with the top online bookmakers to win the clash, with the Knights outsiders at $2.45, although they will fancy they can cause a boil-over.

The winner of the Warriors v Knights clash will play the Broncos in a preliminary final at Suncorp Stadium next weekend, while the loser is finished for 2023.