Newcastle prop Jacob Saifiti's career is in doubt after a late night altercation has left him with a serious leg injury.
According to the Sydney Morning Herald, the incident occurred outside Newcastle's Greenroof Hotel in the early hours of Sunday morning between Saifiti and Central Newcastle footballer Dane Cordner, the brother of NSW and Kangaroos captain Boyd Cordner.
It is understood that the Knights players had been out on Saturday as part of a farewell celebration for Luke Yates, who is due to join the London Broncos in the English Super League for the 2019 season.
A number of Central players were also out on the town to celebrate the engagement of their former teammate Jake Finn.
Saifiti and Cordner butted heads at the Greenroof Hotel and were escorted outside by security for engaging in a push-and-shove. At approximately 1:30am, a punch was thrown outside the hotel which knocked Saifiti out cold.
It is understood that Saifiti suffered a fractured lower leg from falling awkwardly after the punch.
The injury will see Saifiti sidelined for at least three months, with the prop facing the prospect of lower leg surgery and the potential of a much longer stint off the ground.
The 22-year-old managed just eight games in 2018 after a spate of shoulder surgeries, and his latest injury leaves his future uncertain.
It is understood that the police have been made aware of the incident and are investigating.