Knights injury woes continue

Newcastle must be finding the going a little tough lately, and we've only had one round of footy. After being belted by Melbourne at the weekend, they've received the news that promising forward Riley Brown will require elbow surgery and could be sidelined for up to 12 weeks.

Mark Hughes, who played fullback on Sunday, will be sitting out 2-3 weeks with rib cartilage damage. Team mate Adam Woolnough will have scans on his neck, the results of which will be available by the week's end.

Kurt Gidley should be right for next week's clash against the Raiders in the nation's capital though. The Knights will be looking for their first points down there and will have a week off in round three with the bye.

Meanwhile, former Dragon Craig Smith is unsure about his playing future after being offered a contract by Newcastle and Parramatta. He says he's in no great rush to make a decision whilst he continues to play in the local Wollongong competition.

The nuggetty prop has spent the last three years with Wigan in the English Super League following a controversial decision to leave St George Illawarra after being offered an incentive based contract only, despite his seniority at the club. This came amid speculation and subsequent suspension for a knee-lifting action in his running style.