Akuila Uate's dream chance turned into a nightmare last night when the Fijian flyer was carried from the field with what appeared to be a serious ankle injury.

The 21-year-old Newcastle winger was taking a routine hit-up a minute after half-time when his right ankle became trapped underneath Australian halfback Johnathan Thurston's body.

Uate, who entered the semi-final as the World Cup's joint leading tryscorer with five in three games, showed immediate distress and punched the ground in frustration.

He was carried to the sideline and two trainers assisted him back to the players' tunnel. He did not re-emerge from the dressing room.

Uate, playing outside Knights teammate Wes Naiqama, received few chances with the ball but made one heavy tackle on Kangaroos centre Greg Inglis that jolted the ball loose.

The Knights will be anxious to assess Uate, who made his NRL debut this year and scored three tries in four appearances.