Wests Tigers halfback Aidan Sezer may miss the remainder of the NRL season after a potential knee injury sustained during their match against the Newcastle Knights. Sezer left the field in the second half, with an ice pack on his knee following a collision with Knights fullback Kalyn Ponga. While the club has not yet confirmed the injury’s severity, reports suggest they are hopeful it is only bone bruising rather than structural damage.
Should Sezer be unavailable for the upcoming Round 24 match against the Rabbitohs, the Tigers may turn to either Latu Fainu or Jayden Sullivan to fill his role. Fainu, who missed the last game due to concussion protocols, has shown promise in the halfback position, while Sullivan has been playing in the NSW Cup for the Western Suburbs Magpies, waiting for an opportunity to step up.
In addition to Sezer’s potential absence, Dolphins veteran Mark Nicholls will also be sidelined next week due to mandatory concussion protocols after failing his Head Injury Assessment (HIA) during the first half of their game against the Warriors. This has raised concerns for both teams as they approach crucial matches in the coming weeks.
The game saw the Knights secure a vital win in front of 22,138 fans, moving them closer to the top eight while the Tigers continued to struggle. Winger Fletcher Sharpe was the star of the match, scoring four tries, including a hat-trick in the first half, and setting the pace for the Knights. The match began with both teams exchanging tries, with Adam Doueihi responding to an early score by Tyson Frizell. At halftime, the Knights led 22-12, largely thanks to Sharpe’s efforts.
The second half saw Krystian Mapapalangi, who stepped in for the injured Dylan Lucas, extend the Knights’ lead with his first NRL try. The Tigers responded with a try from Jahream Bula, reducing the deficit to 28-18. However, Sharpe’s fourth try, set up by a break from Dane Gagai, put the game beyond the Tigers’ reach. Kalyn Ponga then sealed the Knights’ victory with his fifth successful conversion.
Phoenix Crossland, playing at halfback for only the second time this season, was instrumental in the Knights’ win, contributing significantly to their attack and covering 110 running metres. The Knights’ forward pack also dominated, with four players surpassing 100 running metres, providing a strong foundation for their backline to exploit.
Despite showing flashes of potential, the Tigers could not sustain the intensity required to overcome the Knights, especially after losing Sezer to injury. His absence was a major blow to their attacking strategy, limiting their ability to mount a comeback in the second half.
Looking ahead, the Knights will aim to continue their push for a finals spot when they face the Sharks at PointsBet Stadium next week. Meanwhile, the Tigers will host the Rabbitohs at Campbelltown Sports Stadium, hoping to regain some form and end their challenging season on a positive note.
