The Roosters had their hopes of a star halfback returning from a long injury lay-off dashed after a training mishap once again left him sidelined.
Trent Robinson was set to welcome Sam Walker back in the halves after an ACL rupture suffered in 2024 for his side’s clash against the Knights.
But then in a shock incident, Walker suffered a broken thumb which in turn ruled him out for the next four weeks.
Sandon Smith once again returned to the halves in his absence, which comes as a huge blow to a Roosters side without Angus Crichton, Connor Watson, Lindsay Collins, Robert Toia and Spencer Leniu due to Origin duties.
The Knights, meanwhile, have their first choice and back-up fullbacks out of action, with Kalyn Ponga featuring for Queensland Fletcher Sharpe suffering a calf injury.
Fletcher Hunt has been moved to the back in his first NRL game in the role, while Kyle McCarthy has slotted into the backline.
Tyson Frizell, Leo Thompson, Adam Elliott, Tyson Gamble and Jack Hetherington are all also sidelined alongside Sharpe.
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