Newcastle Knights players and officials have been rocked by the tragic death of teenage outside back Elijah Faalua in a car accident near Cessnock on Thursday night.
Faalua 17, a Kurri junior who played fullback or wing in the Knights' Harold Matthews Under 17's side this season, was thrown from a car and died at the scene after a single vehicle accident on a private road at Pelaw Main about 11.15 pm.
It is understood he was in the front passenger seat of a Subaru Forrester and was thrown from the car after it struck a barrier.
The vehicle's driver, also 17, was taken to the John Hunter Hospital with minor injuries.
The driver has undergone mandatory drug and alcohol testing.
Hunter Valley Police District officers established a crime scene and are investigating the circumstances of the fatal crash. A report will be prepared for the coroner.
The Knights are yet to comment but it's understood club officials were made aware of the accident and Faalua's death on Friday morning.
It's believed the senior playing squad was told of the tragedy prior to their final training session before flying to the Gold Coast on Friday afternoon for Saturday's clash against the Titans.
The Knights' Harold Matts team is coached by former NRL prop Mark O'Meley and was due to train on Friday night. The team has a bye this weekend but can still make the finals depending on the outcome of other results this weekend.
