Newcastle's Bradman Best is out with a calf injury, impacting their playoff hopes ahead of a crucial match against Canberra. Fletcher Hunt will replace him.
Newcastle's hopes of cementing their spot inside the NRL's top eight have been dealt a huge blow with star centre Bradman Best ruled out with a calf injury.
The Knights have had to count the cost of a rousing 30-6 victory over Brisbane last round, as Best emerged from the clash with a low-grade calf strain.
The NSW State of Origin representative's injury will be unwelcome for Newcastle (12-8), who sit just two points clear of ninth place and are looking to win prop Tyson Frizell's 300th match on Sunday at GIO Stadium.
Best's niggle is the latest setback in a stop-start campaign as he's also battled through groin and calf injuries earlier in the season.