Newcastle forward David Klemmer will miss a second straight NRL game after suffering a knee injury during the week.
The former NSW State of Origin player, who was stood down for last week's win over Wests Tigers for disciplinary reasons, aggravated an old knee injury in training on Wednesday.
Despite an MRI clearing Klemmer of any serious damage, the Knights have ruled the forward out of Saturday's trip to face Brisbane at Suncorp Stadium.
It's a blow for Adam O'Brien's team who were set to welcome back the 28-year-old after he was left out against the Tigers for verbally abusing a trainer when he refused to be substituted off late in a loss to Canterbury.
Sauaso Sue will come into the front-row for Klemmer with the Knights confident the forward will miss just one game with the complaint.
In better news for the visitors, Jacob Saifiti has made the trip to Queensland despite being under an injury cloud all week after suffering a head knock late in last weekend's victory.
The Knights had already named Adam Clune to replace the injured Jake Clifford (fractured arm) at halfback while Mat Croker is in for Mitch Barnett (thumb) at lock.
The Broncos head into the match on a two-game losing run.
Having been in top four contention after their impressive win over Parramatta, Brisbane's defeats to the Tigers and Sydney Roosters has meant Kevin Walters' team have slipped to seventh on the ladder.
Those results mean Brisbane are yet to confirm a first finals appearance since 2019, although it is unlikely Walters' team will slip out of the eight given they are four points and a significant points differential clear of ninth-placed Canberra.
Walters feels poor starts, particularly against the Roosters, had left his team playing catch-up football the past two weeks and it had been a significant focus ahead of taking on the Knights.
"The Roosters poured through our middle quite easily last week but that was last week," Walters told reporters on Friday.
"It's all about attitude.
"I've seen it at training this week, enough of the good attitude, to suggest that we're going to be good tomorrow night."
A hamstring injury has forced Brenko Lee out of Brisbane's line-up with Delouise Hoeter to come into the line-up at left centre.
The Broncos have also named Te Maire Martin at fullback after a successful return from a rib injury that has sidelined him since round 16.
Walters said the return of the 26-year-old was a welcome one.
"Very calm player and also he helps Reyno (Adam Reynolds) with our attack with his voice," Walters said.
"He's a good talker ... and also an experienced player as well."
