Newcastle Knights players have been cleared by the NRL’s match review committee of any wrongdoing over Andrew Fifita’s laryngeal fracture.

The Cronulla prop is booked for surgery at a Brisbane hospital on Tuesday after being placed in an induced coma to assist with his breathing

But it is still unknown how the injury occurred during Fifita’s 13 minutes of game time in Sunday’s loss to Newcastle at Redcliffe.

Match review officials were granted an unusual 24-hour extension to closely examine footage from all available camera angles.

Video footage was delayed due to the game being held at a regional ground.

The committee looked at each contact the 2016 premiership winner had during the 16-14 loss to the Knights but could not find anything illegal.

A collision between David Klemmer and the former Australia and Tonga representative in the second half could have caused the fracture, with Fifita copping a blow to the throat from the Knights prop while attempting a tackle.

He also appeared to be hit around the throat by Tyson Frizell trying to fend off a tackle just before Fifita left the field five minutes into the second half.

The Sharks are unsure if either incident caused the injury.

It wasn’t until after the game ended that it became apparent his larynx was injured.

He was rushed to hospital with swelling of the larynx, breathing and swallowing difficulties and a hoarse voice.

The 32-year-old is likely to spend a few days recovering in hospital which is almost certain to rule him out for at least the rest of the NRL season.

His twin brother David released a statement on behalf of the family, thanking people for their support, concern and kind words while asking for privacy.

AAP