Tough Newcastle Knights forward Mitch Barnett will have to wait at least another week to make his long-awaited return from neck surgery as he is yet to be cleared by his specialist.
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Knights coach Adam O'Brien was hoping to have Barnett available for selection to take on North Queensland Cowboys on Saturday in Townsville but it will be at least another week before he is given the all clear.
He was due to have scans taken and to see his surgeon on Monday but the consultation did not eventuate and it's understood it has been put back until next week.
Barnett has not played since being replaced during the win over the Wests Tigers at Leichhardt Oval in round 2 on March 22.
More than a week after the game, he had surgery to reduce pressure on the spinal chord in his next that had left him with no feeling in his right arm.
He underwent an anterior cervical discectomy and fusion procedure, which included a bone graft to relieve the stress on the nerves after learning that he had narrowly avoided a career-ending injury.
The club's player of the year in 2017 and again last season, Barnett was outstanding in his side's round one win over the Warriors after a strong pre-season.
Fortunately, the club has had the forward depth to cover while he has been out but he will be a big addition when he returns.
