Newcastle's dreadful run of late has continued, with star playmaker Jarrod Mullen set for an extended stint on the sidelines and Joey Leilua announcing his departure from the club at the end of the NRL season.
Halfback Mullen has been ruled out for at least the next four to six weeks with a toe injury and could be forced to undergo season-ending surgery.
The Knights have lost their last five matches in a row and take on Wests Tigers this weekend.
After Mullen was forced to pull out of City-Country a fortnight ago, the club will give the No.7 time to rest and heal before surgery is considered.
"This is obviously disappointing and a particularly frustrating time to be sidelined, however this is the best option and hopefully I can get it right," Mullen said.
Leilua, meanwhile, has exercised a get-out clause in his contract and appears likely to sign with Canberra for next season.
The centre was contracted with Newcastle until the end of 2016 but when he re-signed last year, he had a clause inserted which stated he could seek a release should Wayne Bennett leave the club.
Bennett returned to Brisbane for the 2015 season and Leilua has exercised his right to switch clubs following the master coach's departure from the Hunter.
"This is a personal decision for me and I want to thank the Knights for working through it with me," Leilua said.
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