Newcastle Knight Joseph Tapine faces an uncertain future in rugby league, with the young forward reportedly charged with assault.

Fairfax Media is reporting the 20-year-old was charged with assault occasioning grievous bodily harm over an incident in September in which a man was left with a broken jaw.

The Knights released a statement late on Wednesday that they were aware of an incident involving Tapine, who played for the club’s under-20s team last season, and the NRL Integrity Unit had also been informed.

“The club is in no position to make any further comment while the investigation continues,” the statement read.

Tapine was reportedly charged on October 12, and will face Newcastle Local Court on December 9.