Newcastle Sport

Charlestown’s Jake Higginbottom has played himself into form at the Northern Territory PGA, he’s just one stroke off the lead at the halfway point. He trails Queenslander Daniel Nisbett. (AUDIO IN PARTS)

Kalyn Ponga is yet to actually play in the halves, but Mitchell Pearce believes he could do so for Queensland, or even Australia, if he wants to. The Knights are looking to unleash a more expansive style of football against the Panthers, and Pearce says Ponga will do just fine, in an unfamiliar role.

It’s crunch-time in the NPL. The last place in the finals will be decided tomorrow night when Maitland and Hamilton take to the field – at the same time, but in different matches.

After featuring in the inaugural event, Newcastle trainer Kris Lees knows just how special The Everest is. This year, his only shot at the $13-million race lies with three-time Group One winner Le Romain – but time is running out.

A blow for Souths in Newcastle Rugby League, with captain Brendan Simpson to miss Saturday’s clash with Central because of injury. His absence won’t rattle the Lions, as they prepare to celebrate Sleapy’s Day, raising money to fight cancer.

The Hunters men have been to the Waratah Basketball League finals plenty of times before, but this weekend they’re hoping to win the decider for the first time. The ladder leaders will start their campaign against fourth-placed Manly.

Hunter basketballer Katie-Rae Ebzery is in Canberra this week for the Opals selection camp. The 28-year-old is hoping to retain her spot for next month’s World Championships in Spain, with the Australian side keen to bounce back from a poor Rio Olympics campaign. “We were a little bit disappointed after Rio obviously so it’s really a way for us to redeem ourselves on the international stage I think and get back to where we need to be and where we think we can be as an Australian basketball team.” There’s certain to be new faces, but Ebzery is confident the Opals will be ready. “We had a trip to China a few weeks ago and I think these last few sessions we’ve really started to gel offensively and defensively which is really nice.” (AUDIO IN PARTS)

A range of top Aussie athletes have signed up for the seventh running of the Fernleigh 15. Men’s champion Jack Colreavy will be back to try and defend his crown on October 21, while an emerging talent will look to win his second title in the wheelchair division.

He was a familiar face on the TV throughout his rugby league career – now Jason Stevens is making a name for himself on the silver screen. The former Blues and Australian frontrower is preparing for the release of his first film, and there’s no prizes for guessing what it’s about.

It’s something Knights fans have been calling for, now it seems they’ll get a chance to see it. Kalyn Ponga is likely to move into the halves against the Panthers this weekend, in a shake-up potentially giving the side new spark.