Newcastle skipper Kurt Gidley has accused Sydney Roosters prop Jared Waerea-Hargreaves of deliberately targeting opponents with his elbows.

Gidley was incensed during the last-placed Knights' 29-12 defeat to the Roosters on Saturday when the Kiwi prop caught David Fa'alogo across the neck when running with the ball and then doing the same to the throat of Jeremy Smith.

Jared Waerea-Hargreaves in action against the Knights on Saturday night. Credit:Jonathan Carroll

Knights lock Smith was forced off the field in the second half following the incident and Gidley said Waerea-Hargreaves needs to alter his style.

"As much as we are trying to protect players with lower leg injuries ... getting hit in the throat is as bad as anything," said Gidley.