Newcastle have ruled fullback Kalyn Ponga out of Saturday's clash with reigning NRL premiers Penrith.
Ponga missed last week's victory over the Wests Tigers with a knee complaint and won't be risked when the Knights meet the Panthers in Bathurst in a third-round clash of unbeaten teams.
Knights coach Adam O'Brien said if co-captain Ponga had his way he would be playing, but Newcastle have opted for a cautious approach.
David Klemmer has also been sidelined with a knee injury.
In a boost for Newcastle, prop NSW State of Origin Daniel Saifiti is back on deck after suffering a hairline fracture to his leg in the club's pre-season trial against Canterbury.
"Daniel's a definite starter," O'Brien said.
"I thought Tex Hoy did a great job last week (replacing Ponga).
"He did his job and was nice and safe at the back and I expect more of the same."
Saturday's trip to the bush will be a good test for O'Brien's side after beginning the season with two wins after some pundits predicted them to finish with the wooden spoon.
Newcastle stunned Sydney Roosters in the opening round before backing up with a demolition of the Tigers.
The Knights' attack looks reborn under the guidance of consultant coach and club legend Andrew Johns, but there's a lot to be said for their defence.
Newcastle have conceded the fewest points this year - a solitary try in each of their opening two games - and they looked resilient whenever tested by the Tigers or Roosters.
Penrith are without Liam Martin and James Fisher-Harris, while Nathan Cleary wasn't cleared to play despite being named in the extended squad.
Despite the Panthers' losses, O'Brien was under no illusion about the task at hand.
"What Ivan (Cleary) and their coaching staff have been able to install over the last few years, it's a system that holds them together.
"We watched their trial game during the week when they were down on personnel and they had that next-man-up mentality. I'd imagine the conversations were the same we've had this last week.
"We want to defend well and we've identified some areas where we want to improve.
"We're coming up against a team that's really going to hurt you - if you take a breath they'll get you.
"We understand what sort of footy side we're facing."
