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Injury update: Why Pearce is wearing ‘no contact’ bib

You’ll often see players wearing different coloured bibs when training.

Whether it’s a light blue, dark purple or fluro yellow, each colour represents different levels of involvement at training.

Earlier in the week, nib Newcastle Knights halfback Mitchell Pearce was spotted in bright yellow as a result of a sore shoulder.

According to Head of Physical Performance, Balin Cupples, the No.7 is now back into full contact and was only out of one contact session as a part of managing the pre-season load.  

“Each week we build our opposed work with higher (levels of) contact,” Cupples explained.

“Each week we have guys who have minor (issues) and we just want to take the risk out of it.

“Junior was just in yellow for one day with a bit of soreness around his shoulder.

“Afterwards he returned to full contact.

“Each week you might find guys are carrying little niggles and will wear a different colour singlet.”

One player yet to enter the coloured bib mix is Jacob Saifiti.

Be The Player: Week 11

The prop has been rehabilitating a lower leg injury.

 “He’s made really good progress and got really good feedback from his surgeon.

“He’s been working really hard with the physios to build range with his ankle.

“He has a range we are now comfortable with and (on Thursday) he had his first field run.

“It’s exciting to get Jacob back on the grass and he’s got a six week build now into those early rounds to hopefully be available.”

Knights Cribs: Kalyn and Connor


Injured players and expected return dates:

Tautau Moga (ACL - Early Rounds)

Jacob Saifiti (Leg - Indefinite)

Slade Griffin (ACL - Indefinite)

Bradman Best (MCL - Round 1)

Brayden Musgrove (ACL – Early Rounds)