NEWCASTLE halves Jake Clifford and Adam Clune have both been left out of the Knights' squad for the game against North Queensland on Saturday.
Knights coach Adam O'Brien appears to have swung the axe and dropped at least Clifford after his poor showing in the side's 50-2 loss against Melbourne on Sunday.
Clune, who struggled against the Storm carrying a knee problem, has also been entirely omitted from the 24-man squad, indicating he too may have been left out due to form.
Phoenix Crossland, who came off the bench to replace Clifford midway through the second-half against Melbourne, will play halfback.
Tex Hoy has been named at five-eighth.
