The Knights’ bulging salary cap reportedly could present a problem in their bid to keep Origin prop Jacob Saifiti at the club long-term.
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WWWOS’ reported the Knights are keen to keep Saifiti, who is also keen to stay, but the salary cap could be a sticking point in his extension bid.
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Signed until the end of the 2027 season, Saifiti is free to negotiate with rival clubs from November 1 this year.
While Saifiti wants to stay, the lure of big money deals from the Perth Bears and PNG Chiefs could potentially sway him as he looks for one final big pay day before hanging up the boots.
Saifiti turns 32 in 2028, so his next deal will likely be his last in the NRL.
The Knights have salary cap constraints due to handing out big money deals to Dylan Brown and Kalyn Ponga, while Bradman Best is also on big money.
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Jacob Saifiti won’t stay at the Knights if it forces young players out.Source: Getty Images
The Knights have 18 players coming off-contract before 2028, including Saifiti, Best, Dane Gagai, Mathew Croker, Pasami Saulo and Peter Hola, so they face an uphill battle to keep their squad together long-term.
The Knights are adamant they will get the deal done, but Saifiti is well aware of the club’s salary cap issues.
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It’s understood Saifiti has told the Knights he will do what’s best for the club and move on from 2028 onwards if him staying is going to force other young forwards out of the club.
The Knights have a number of young forwards on their books, with the likes of Cody Hopwood, Francis Manuleleua and Jermaine McEwen (who recently extended his deal to the end of 2028).
The 30-year-old has scored 12 tries in 185 games for the Knights since his debut in 2016 and has played two Origins for the Blues, which he will add to on Wednesday night and seven Tests for Fiji to date.
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