The Knights have been rocked by two major injuries with Dylan Brown and Kalyn Ponga set for sideline stints.
Watch every game of every round of the Premiership Season LIVE with no ad-breaks during play on FOX LEAGUE, available on Kayo Sports | New to Kayo? Join now and get your first month for just $1.
WHAT’S GAMBLING REALLY COSTING YOU? Set a deposit limit. For Free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au.
It means $2.7 million worth of salary cap was forced off the field
Ponga lasted just 28 minutes before he walked off the field and up into the sheds.
The superstar fullback had just backed up a Bradman Best break to give Newcastle an 18-10 lead but immediately clutched his right hamstring as he grounded the ball.
Ponga didn’t take the conversion and spent some time with the physio and was cleared to stay on the field, but he lasted just a few more plays with the former Dally M winner grabbing it again after he passed the ball.
Ponga came straight from the field and was replaced by Fletcher Hunt, with the Knights already missing Fletcher Sharpe who suffered a knee injury in Las Vegas.
Soon after, Fox League’s Jake Duke provided an update on Ponga’s condition.
“Not good news for Kalyn Ponga. He has a hamstring injury and will be sent for scans. He won’t return this afternoon,” Duke said.
The star fullback was in the midst of a terrific game, running for 88 metres, recording four tackle busts, a line break and a try in not even a half of football.
Ponga said he hoped to be back next week, but said scans will determine whether that’s possible.
“(It was) a bit of an overstride when I sort of made that line break. I’ll get scans and go from there and see what it is,” Ponga said after the game.
“I think the positive thing was the boys that came on did a great job and got on with it. It’s not ideal to get two playmakers going down, but the boys that did a job for us, (they were) massive.
“The last time I did a hammy was 2018. So I don’t really have anything to compare it to. I’ll get scans and go from there. And obviously, fingers crossed it’s best news. I want to be back out there next week, but we’ll see.”
Meanwhile, Brown picked up his injury eight minutes later after setting up a Fletcher Hunt try.
He stayed on until half-time but was in clear discomfort before the decision was made for him not to return, with Brown likely to miss at least a month.
Knights coach Justin Holbrook confirmed that in the post-match presser.
“Initial thoughts is probably a grade 2 for Dyl. I’m not a physio but I’m guessing around that three to four week mark.”
Discussion about this post