Newcastle fullback Dane Gagai is the latest player whose form is being impacted by his ongoing contract dramas, according to coach Nathan Brown.
But the good news is that it's all likely to end soon.
The Knights are expecting the Queensland State of Origin star to make a call on whether he will take up a three-year deal with South Sydney worth a reported $2.1 million this week.
"I don't think Gags is too far away from announcing which way he's going to go. I don't think it'll be too far away which will be good for him and for us," Brown said.
Brown said confirmation would finally conclude months worth of negotiations and allow the club to move on in its chase of a marquee player and ramp up its rebuild.
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However the second-year Knights mentor is also of the belief that the contract saga has weighed heavily on the former Brisbane centre in recent weeks.
Gagai had a mixed outing in Sunday's loss to Penrith, carrying the ball for just 85 metres - well down on his average 115 metres - and committing two errors.
However the 26-year-old did produce a team-high five tackles busts.
"Gags obviously had some crucial errors there today and these (talks) do affect them, they obviously have some sort of affect on them for sure," Brown said.
"It's a big decision, Gags' one, whether he stays for the next 4-5 years or leaves for the next 4-5 years. I think it's certainly had some impact on him."
Meanwhile, Brown refused to guarantee an immediate NRL recall for winger Nathan Ross, who played in the NSW Cup on Sunday following his own contract dispute with the club.
Ross paid the price for his public cry for a salary increase, and could now face an uphill battle to regain his spot after replacement Brendan Elliot impressed in his absence.
Brown kept a close eye on Ross's performance before the NRL game on Sunday.
"He was putting his hand up to do what he does in first grade, but (Penrith) certainly put a lot of time into stopping him as well," Brown said.
"These are the issues when people get it wrong. Brendan Elliot played very well today. There's a fair chance we could lose Gags to Origin as well and any number of things could happen."
