Knights near contract extension for forward Jacob Saifiti ahead of open market

Newcastle Knights front-rower Jacob Saifiti is expected to sign a contract extension soon, as rival clubs show interest in his status. Saifiti was suspended for a high tackle in his last match, missing the finals including the Grand Final against the Sydney Roosters. He is currently on a $700,000 per season deal and has expressed willingness to enter the open market on November 1. The Knights face financial pressures with other high-paid players on the roster and a recent departure of their head of recruitment. Saifiti has been named in Fiji's World Cup squad, set to play the Cook Islands on October 18.

• 3:37 AMZero Tackle NRL — Knights closing in on extension for Grand Final absentee forward