Ponga gives Dolphins ‘nightmares’ as dazzling No.1 shines in big Knights statement

The Knights are 2-0 to start the season after a first-half masterclass from Kalyn Ponga helped them secure a 26-12 over the Dolphins.

All eyes were on the Saifiti twins in the opening minutes and they did not disappoint. It was the first time the brothers had ever played each other but neither shied away from the physicality with the pair colliding in the first hit-up of the game.

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The Knights had a statement first half, shooting out to a 20-6 lead before the break. James Schiller bagged a first-half double, before tries to Bradman Best and Dane Gagai followed.

Ponga had his fingerprints on everything in the first half with the superstar No.1 playing a role in all four tries and also taking on some of the kicking duties.

The Dolphins showed signs of life late in the first half when they capitalised on a Greg Marzhew error with Isaiya Katoa sending Mark Nicholls over.

The Knights didn’t slow down after the break with Dylan Lucas opening the scoring in the first five minutes. It all started with a 40-metre run from Adam Elliott before Fletcher Sharp broke through two Dolphins to set up Lucas.

With the clock winding down the Dolphins desperately needed something to keep their chances alive and it was Isaiya who delivered. The young playmaker took on the line and scored after slipping through two Knights defenders.

Momentum started to build for the Dolphins in the final 12 minutes — which was helped by the sin-binning of Kai Pearce-Paul for a high shot on Daniel Saifiti — but the Knights held on.

Both coaches will be sweating on tomorrow’s charge sheet after Pearce-Paul and Herbie Farnworth were placed on report. The latter was pinged for a late shot on Ponga in the lead-up to Best’s try.

PONGA’S BRILLIANCE… AS KNIGHTS FANS GET EXCITED

Kalyn Ponga was on fire tonight, adding to the buzz surrounding the Newcastle club after it was confirmed Dylan Brown would make the move to the Hunter in 2026.

The 26-year-old got the ball in his hands and went to work, tallying 100 running metres and three try assists to down the Dolphins in a fullback masterclass according to league legend Greg Alexander.

“He has absolutely killed them, he has been involved in everything, we spoke about his game last week… he has been absolutely brilliant, mesmerising,” Alexander said.

“The Dolphins edge attack just can’t handle his footwork, last week he was the best player, and he’s comfortably the best player out there right now.”

For legendary hooker Michael Ennis, Ponga’s willingness to be the main man was clear for all to see, combining with his halves in a manner that would be getting Knights fans excited for what’s to come.

Fletcher Sharpe, who as it stands is the frontrunner to wear the No.6 when Brown arrives, poked his nose through the line on multiple occasions with a run-first mentality.

Meanwhile, Cogger pulled the strings and Ponga also fronted up to take care of some of the kicking duties.

“I’ve loved how he has got his hands on the ball at first receiver… it’s been his work and hunger to get his hands on the ball when it’s been a bit flat,” Ennis said.

Meanwhile, Kevin Walters added: “He just lifts everyone, but everything good that has been happening for the Knights has been around him”.

SAIFITI’S COLLIDE IN A BIG WAY

It was the first time Daniel and Jacob Saifiti had ever played rugby league against each other, and on the very first tackle of the game they both made a B-line.

Daniel, who joined the Dolphins in the off-season, charged at his brother as league legend Cooper Cronk said “this is a big collision”.

“Tremendous carry by Daniel and Jacob had his eyes locked on his brother,” commentator Warren Smith added.

The pair also came face-to-face following a Knights try, but this time it was Jacob than ran it into the Dolphins’ defensive line.

However, after some early collisions, it wasn’t an ideal 80 minutes.

Jacob suffered a cork and Daniel went off with neck stiffness, with both players leaving the field at all but the same time — and only the latter returned to the field.

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TEAMS

Knights: 1. Kalyn Ponga 2. James Schiller 3. Dane Gagai 4. Bradman Best 5. Greg Marzhew 6. Fletcher Sharpe 7. Jack Cogger 8. Jacob Saifiti 9. Phoenix Crossland 10. Leo Thompson 11. Dylan Lucas 12. Kai Pearce-Paul 13. Tyson Frizell 14. Jayden Brailey 15. Jack Hetherington 16. Adam Elliott 17. Mathew Croker. 18th man: 18. Brodie Jones