Jacob Saifiti’s season is all but over after the Knights enforcer copped a monster ban from the match review committee for his ugly high shot that saw him sent off against the Warriors.
The veteran prop has been offered a four-match ban if he takes the early guilty plea for a grade two reckless high tackle charge, but risks an extra week if he fights it at the judiciary and loses.
His only hope of playing again this year is if he fights the charge and wins at the judiciary.
It’s a monumental blow for the Knights, who have qualified for the finals after claiming last year’s wooden spoon, with Saifiti to join injured stars Dylan Brown and Dylan Lucas on the sidelines.
The Knights are in seventh spot and have the bye this week, but can move up a spot and host a week one finals game if the Rabbitohs lose to the Roosters.
Saifiti will miss the entire finals campaign if he takes the early plea for the high shot on Warriors winger Luke Laulilii, who was concussed as a result of the foul play.
Saifiti was sent from the field in the 13th minute when his side was up 10-0, with the Warriors eventually winning a high-scoring affair as they took advantage of the numerical advantage.
Tyson Frizell and Dom Young missed that game through suspension but will return for the finals.
Meanwhile, Sharks prop Tom Hazelton has been offered a one-match ban for a grade two dangerous contact charge and will be available for the elimination final if he takes the early guilty plea.
Originally published as MRC wrap: Finals dream in tatters after Jacob Saifiti cops huge ban from the match review committee