Newcastle have lost star centre Bradman Best to a recurrence of his hamstring injury for their elimination final against North Queensland.
Knights officials confirmed to AAP that Best would not play in the do-or-die clash, only two weeks after returning from another hamstring issue.
Newcastle travelled to Townsville on Thursday for Saturday’s clash, with back-rower Dylan Lucas expected to again revert to the centres.
Best’s absence will come as a blow to the Knights, who had benefited from having Best and Kalyn Ponga flying in recent weeks.
The Knights’ top-eight credentials appeared in disarray when Ponga was diagnosed with a Lisfranc injury in his right foot as the side sat 15th on the ladder through seven rounds.
But after Newcastle held themselves together in his absence, Ponga hit top gear on return for the final two months of the regular season.
The fullback was the difference between the Knights and the Dolphins in a 14-6 win on Sunday that confirmed Newcastle would clinch the last remaining top-eight spot.
Ahead of facing the Cowboys, Ponga put his form down to a mindset shift during an 11-week lay-off.
“Coming back from my injury, I sort of felt like I had a point to prove,” Ponga said.
“Just proving that the best version of myself is the best. When you’re injured, you’re not really the best version of yourself. You’re coming back from rehab, you’re doing all that.
