Newcastle prop Jacob Saifiti has been sent from the field in the 12th minute of the Knights' round 26 clash with the Warriors at Go Media Stadium, leaving Newcastle to play the remainder of the match with 12 men and facing a likely match review charge.

The State of Origin forward was marched for a high shot in the opening quarter of the match, with the incident expected to go before the NRL Match Review Committee on Monday.

The send-off came at the worst possible time for the Knights. Newcastle arrived in Auckland sitting sixth on the ladder after last week's 44-24 home loss to Manly, a defeat that already put their hopes of a home final in doubt.

Despite the numerical disadvantage, the Knights stayed in the contest through the first half, with winger Fletcher Hunt crossing twice and Francis Manuleleua also scoring before Manuleleua left the field injured.

It is not the first time Saifiti has been sent off. In 2023 he was dismissed late in a win over Wests Tigers for a high tackle on Jake Simpkin and accepted a five-match ban after the Match Review Committee graded the hit as a grade three reckless high tackle — the harshest grading for a high shot.

The Warriors, chasing a second minor premiership and a top-two finish to secure a home final, blooded two debutants for the match: halfback Jett Cleary and winger Luke Laulilii, who became the club's 300th NRL player after replacing the injured Dallin Watene-Zelezniak.

The Knights close their regular season next week, with Saifiti's availability for the finals now resting on the charge sheet.

Result and any Match Review Committee charge to be added.