Maloney is likely to be out until the NRL finals after suffering a medial tear during last week's win over Gold Coast, with utility Tyrone May to start at five-eighth against Newcastle.

"We spoke about resting him anyway and his scan came back that he had the grade two medial so it was an enforced rest," Ciraldo said on Friday.

"He probably would've been not playing this week anyway. Tyrone was going to get a shot at five-eighth. Hopefully it's a blessing in disguise, but we won't know until later in the year."

Maloney, who had been battling through neck, toe and hand issues since State of Origin, was seen limping into the Panthers' training headquarters with a knee brace.

But Ciraldo is hoping to have his NSW star back by the finals series.

"We're hoping two weeks or three weeks and he'll be right for the semi-finals. He's limping more because of the brace more so than the injury," he said.

Maloney's absence comes as the Panthers look to secure an all-important spot in the top four.

Ciraldo's fourth-placed side sit equal with third-placed Melbourne on 30 points, two ahead of St George Illawarra, Cronulla, Brisbane and the Warriors, with three games remaining in the regular season.

He admits the dust is only just beginning to settle after a dramatic fortnight that began with the sacking of Anthony Griffin and reports of Ivan Cleary's return to the club from Wests Tigers.

Griffin's axing paved the way for Ciraldo to become the second youngest coach in NRL history.

"They've both been pretty crazy weeks, but we've got a lot of help around the academy here and everyone's done a really good job preparing this week."

He remains unsure of whether he has ambitions to be the long-term coach of the club.

"I haven't had time to think about that," he said.

"The only time we've had is to prepare for the Knights and review the Titans. I haven't even had time to see the family too much let alone think about what's going to happen next year."

Meanwhile, Panthers forward James Fisher-Harris is a late scratching after succumbing to a shoulder injury.

Kaide Ellis will start at lock and Liam Martin is likely to debut on the bench.

For the Knights, Kalyn Ponga is set to start at five-eighth, resulting in Nick Meaney getting the call-up to play fullback.

STATS THAT MATTER

* The Panthers are aiming to win their sixth-straight match against the Knights for the first time in their history.

* The Panthers are aiming for their 300th win at home, and their ninth win at home in a single season for the first time since 2014.

* Nathan Cleary is 16 points behind Bob Landers' 428 for sixth on the Panthers' all-time scoring list.

Australian Associated Press