Brutal finals exit to trigger Knights shake-up as $850k star drops big hint

The elimination final loss to the Cowboys was likely the final game in a Knights jersey for several players with an $850k star dropping a big hint.

The elimination final loss to the Cowboys on Saturday was most likely the final game in a Knights jersey for several players.

It’s no secret the club have already tapped a number of players on the shoulder, as new recruitment manager Peter O’Sullivan looks to fix up the Knights’ salary cap crisis.

Former Blues prop Daniel Saifiti is the highest profile name set to move on, with a deal with the Dolphins reportedly to be made official in the coming weeks according to The Daily Telegraph.

Watch the best coverage of the 2024 NRL finals, with expert analysis and every game until the Grand Final LIVE with no ad-breaks during play, on Kayo. New to Kayo? Start your free trial today >

Saifiti is set to sign a contract with the NRL’s newest club for three years until the end of 2027, with Newcastle not willing to keep him on the books for his $850,000 salary.

Instead, the Knights will contribute $200,000 for the next two seasons to play for the Dolphins with his new club to pay the rest of his hefty contract.

A photo posted to his Instagram account on Sunday morning indicated that the prop is on the move.

Daniel Saifiti's Instagram post (Instagram: danielsaifiti)

Saifiti’s post featured him and Knights centre Dane Gagai with the caption: “Was there for my debut and there for last, love”.

In addition to Saifiti, hooker Jayden Brailey is another who will likely head elsewhere despite 12 months left on his current deal.

In what could end up being a straight swap, Parramatta are reportedly showing interest in Brailey after losing emerging dummy half Matt Arthur to Newcastle.

Two Knights outside backs in Enari Tuala and Tom Jenkins could also be farewelled, with Tuala potentially set to join the Bulldogs.

Canterbury-Bankstown will lose some outside back depth with Jeral Skelton heading to the Tigers, meaning the Bulldogs’ interest in Tuala makes sense.

While Jenkins, who only arrived at the Knights last off-season, wasn’t able to win Dom Young’s vacant wing spot this season, with Fletcher Sharpe emerging as a future star.

Jenkins is set to leave the club, but it’s not yet known where he’ll head.

Originally published as Brutal finals exit to trigger Knights shake-up as $850k star drops big hint