Knights rookies cleared of COVID protocol breaches

Rookie Knights winger Starford To'a will be available for Newcastle's upcoming clash with Manly after he and fellow youngster Simi Sasagi had their COVID-holds lifted by the NRL.

To'a and Sasagi have been cleared to resume training with their teammates after the Knights first reported their attendance of a local rugby league match – and a possible breach of NRL protocols – on Sunday.

The NRL Integrity Unit's subsequent investigation found " the level of COVID risk exposure for both players was negligible", with the game's Project Apollo committee approving the lifting of To'a and Sasagi's COVID-holds.

To'a debuted in round 25 last season and made his first appearance for 2020 in last Saturday's 44-4 thrashing of Wests Tigers.

Sasagi, 19, is yet to play in the NRL but is highly regarded as a five-eighth after scoring four tries in a 35-minute Jersey Flegg debut last year.