Knights book final spot with dominant win
Kalyn Ponga leaves the field with shoulder complaint
Kalyn Ponga left McDonald Jones Stadium with his arm in a sling – and the Knights’ title hopes hinging on the extent of a shoulder injury – which his Newcastle teammates feared would leave them without their inspirational captain in the finals.
On a weekend of carnage for NRL stars just a fortnight from the play-offs, the Knights’ comprehensive win over the Sharks – sealing a home elimination final – came at an enormous cost with Ponga’s immediate future in doubt.
NSW Blues coach Brad Fittler said he didn’t think there was “anything wrong” with the tackle.
“Jesse Ramien would be one of the hardest players in the competition, he is just made of concrete,” he said on Nine’s coverage.
“I don’t think there’s anything wrong with that tackle at all. It obviously looked very dangerous with Kalyn’s head whipping back.”
Physiotherapist and injury analyst Brian Seeney said on X that Ponga’s injury looked to be an AC joint.
“Textbook mechanism with direct contact to shoulder side on,” he wrote.
“Hope minor/moderate sprain considering ability to stay on momentarily. If so most return in 1-3 weeks – can needle up and play through.”
Coach Adam O’Brien had no update on the Ponga injury in his press conference but said he won’t play him next week if there’s a “risk”.
“I’ll make that decision once we know what it is, I won’t be stupid with him that’s for sure … I don’t want to make a heap of changes either, I think rhythm to the team’s important but anyone that’s got bumps I won’t take a risk with,” he said.
The Sharks started the game strong when Connor Tracey went over in the seventh minute. Newcastle would hit back with only one try to Ponga in the first half to keep it even at 6-6.
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Newcastle clicked into gear after the break to run in five unanswered second half tries with Bradman Best scoring two while Dominic Young, Greg Marzhew and Dylan Lucas all went over too.
The Knights are now in the box seat for a home semi-final with their next clash against the Dragons, while the two teams below them, Cronulla and Canberra, play each other in the final round.
