Knights star Kalyn Ponga has been ruled out of Sunday's clash against the Sea Eagles after failing to get through training this week due to a groin injury.
Ponga was scheduled to make a return from the complaint after missing the past fortnight of the Telstra Premiership in his final club fixture before the Ampol State of Origin series opener.
He is now in serious doubt for the series opener on June 9, while Tex Hoy is likely to replace him at fullback for the Knights on Sunday.
Pass back, move forward: The numbers behind Indigenous Round
Round 12 Late Mail
Knights v Sea Eagles, Sunday 4.05pm at McDonald Jones Stadium
Knights: Star fullback Kalyn Ponga (groin injury) and five-eighth Kurt Mann are both out. Tex Hoy replaces Ponga at fullback with Connor Watson replacing Mann.
Watson will partner Phoenix Crossland in the halves after veteran Blake Green announced his immediate retirement from rugby league earlier this week. New signing Jake Clifford will be available next week.
Simi Sasagi is the 18th man.
Ponga and Jack Johns were trimmed from the squad 24 hours before kick-off.
Lock Mitch Barnett plays his 100th game for the club.
Sea Eagles: Josh Schuster is out after sustaining a leg injury at the captain's run with Tevita Funa the new five-eighth. Christian Tuipulotu is the 18th man.
A big in for Manly with Curtis Sironen named to return early from a knee injury via the interchange bench. Karl Lawton retains his spot in the side after playing his first game for the club last weekend and has been promoted from the bench to the run-on side in the back row.
Haumole Olakau'atu has been sidelined by a hand injury.
Toafofoa Sipley (dangerous contact) and Lawton (high tackle) have both escaped with fines after entering early guilty pleas.
Dylan Walker (hamstring) and Kieran Foran (hand) are not expected back until after the bye.
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