"Since [Saifiti's Origin debut in] Perth a couple of years ago he's been at the head of our footy team," Fittler said.
“There was a three-way discussion between Newcastle, Daniel and Nathan Gibbs. Rib cartilage is a very painful injury and if he was to play he would have been under a major amount of duress.
"He wouldn't be able to train that much ... Daniel was of the feeling that he was letting us down but he needs to go away and finish the season strong for Newcastle."
The NSW Blues team has been announced for the Ampol State of Origin series finale.
www.newcastleknights.com.au
From that I'd guess he'll be back for the Roosters game