Huge Origin drama as Kalyn Ponga suffers an injury against Canberra
Knights and Maroons star Kalyn Ponga is in grave doubt for the State of Origin decider after injuring his foot in Newcastle's 22-18 loss to Canberra.
Ponga is now in huge doubt for Game 3, with Queensland coach Billy Slater to announce his squad on Monday morning.
'Kalyn Ponga won't be back tonight with a foot injury. He'll have scans tomorrow,' James Hooper reported on Fox League.
Despite sitting in second for the majority of the season, Canterbury's 8-6 loss to Penrith on Thursday night left the door ajar for Ricky Stuart's side to climb their way into pole position.
The Knights on the other hand have won two of their last three clashes, both thanks to tries on the last play, yet neither displays convinced fans that the club had turned a corner.
Though there was no points in the opening 15 minutes, the Raiders were dominant from the outset, busts from Matt Timoko and Kaeo Weekes leaving the Green Machine in Newcastle's red zone.
Jackson Hastings, recalled from NSW Cup after Fletcher Sharpe ruptured his spleen in Perth, nearly set up the opener on the back of a pinpoint chip for Dom Young in the corner, only for Weekes to plant the ball in-goal.
It would be a former Knight that would dot down for the eventual first try, Simi Sasagi leaping through the air to pinch the ball from Ponga's hands and plant it down for a 4-0 lead.
Identical plays on either side of the field extended the Raiders' lead to 16, thanks to miracle balls from both Canberra back-rowers.
Tom Starling's last-tackle short-ball to Zac Hosking saw the Newcastle junior hit-and-spin before somehow popping the ball to Weekes for a stunning four-pointer.
A pinpoint 40/20 from Jamal Fogarty landed Canberra back in Newcastle's 20 metre zone, with Starling reusing the same play that handed Weekes a try minutes earlier.
This time the former Knight darted out of dummy-half on the left, hitting Sasagi short before the forward popped the ball back to Starling, finding Strange on the short side for Canberra's third in quick succession.
The 16-0 lead at halftime signified the eighth time this season Newcastle have gone into the break with a duck egg on the scoreboard, earning scattered boos as the players ran off.
The zero was quickly erased in the second stanza, however, Ponga finding James Schiller on the short side for an easy four-pointer.
While it seemed to breathe some life into Newcastle, sending Schiller down the touchline again moments later, Strange put the dagger into the side after scooping up a loose ball, racing away before finding Jed Stuart in support.
Two tries in as many games for Jed Stuart after a terrific run from Ethan Strange!
ðŸ'° Watch #NRLKnightsRaiders
LIVE on ch.502 or stream on Kayo: https://t.co/CH17ynRiXc
�� BLOG https://t.co/vbrjNVHVuw
ðŸ'¢ MATCH CENTRE https://t.co/TZAAV9hDTy pic.twitter.com/9Nahs9VHK4
— Fox League (@FOXNRL) June 27, 2025
Newcastle forward Jermaine McEwen would crash over from dummy-half for his first NRL try late in the piece, only narrowly keeping the door ajar for the home side.
That ajar door copped a double blow in Newcastle's favour soon after, Owen Pattie penalised for an obstruction in the act of scoring before Schiller bagged his double at the other end.
A slick backline movement through fill-in fullback Dane Gagai on the left found Schiller in the corner, running around to improve the position, and cut the deficit to a narrow 22-18 lead for the Raiders.
Despite coming home with a wet sail, Newcastle couldn't find the killer blow, knocking it on in the final play to seal yet another loss at home as focus turns to Ponga's scans.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Advertiser
29 minutes ago
- The Advertiser
Hazlewood bowls Aussies to victory in Windies opener
A bowling masterclass from Josh Hazlewood has helped Australia claim a resounding 159-run victory over the West Indies on day three of the Test series opener in Bridgetown. After a hotly contested first two days, Australia dominated on Friday (Saturday morning AEDT) with Hazlewood taking 5-43 as the tourists bowled their hosts out for 141 in their second dig. The Windies were thwarted by a collapse of 6-26 in pursuit of 301 for victory, but were boosted by Australia's frequent tormentor Shamar Joseph who cracked 44 runs off 22 balls - including four sixes - in a furious cameo at No.10. Veteran spinner Nathan Lyon (2-20) struck twice in the final over of the day to seal a win that helped Australia overcome their shock loss in the WTC final and start the three-match series on a high. The tourists are likely to regain the injured Steve Smith for the second Test that begins in Grenada next week after his absence was glaring on a tough batting deck earlier in the match. But Australia posted a competitive second-innings total of 310 on day three thanks largely to middle-order trio Travis Head (61), Beau Webster (63) and Alex Carey (65). In the final session, Hazlewood took all four scalps in a West Indies batting implosion of 4-9 that devastated the hosts' middle order and had the veteran on a hat-trick at one stage. Hazlewood broke the best partnership among the recognised batters, a 43-run stand between Keacy Carty and John Campbell, when Campbell (23) played a daring lap shot straight into Carey's gloves. On Hazlewood's next ball, debutant Brandon King (0) caught a high inside edge to Cameron Green, who made up for dropping a sitter by leaping high at gully. Captain Roston Chase (2) could not replicate a solid first innings, caught from by Sam Konstas at short leg, before Hazlewood bowled the established batter Carty with a ball that seamed in on the tricky pitch. Axed from the XI, Marnus Labuschagne made a valuable contribution as a substitute fielder, whipping a direct hit at the stumps from the other end of the wicket to run Alzarri Joseph (0) out. Hazlewood completed his 13th Test "five-fer" when Jomel Warrican (3) edged to Carey the ball after surviving an lbw review. The end appeared nigh for West Indies when unlikely top-scorer Joseph edged Lyon to Usman Khawaja in the slips. Earlier, No.5 Head (61 off 95 balls) ignited Australia's fightback after the tourists went to stumps on day two in a precarious position at 4-92. Head was trapped lbw by a low delivery from cult hero paceman Joseph (5-87), who was again the West Indies' most important bowler after his match-winning heroics in Brisbane 17 months ago. Showing impressive patience, the usually furious Head had been given a life earlier, spilt by Justin Greaves on 21 as one one of the hosts' seven dropped catches for the match. After bringing up a third Test half-century, towering allrounder Webster (63 off 120) fell to an unfortunate tickle down the leg side as Joseph picked up his third wicket. Carey, displaying some exciting stroke-making, was out caught in the deep by Greaves off Chase - the only Australian wicket that fell to spin for the match. A bowling masterclass from Josh Hazlewood has helped Australia claim a resounding 159-run victory over the West Indies on day three of the Test series opener in Bridgetown. After a hotly contested first two days, Australia dominated on Friday (Saturday morning AEDT) with Hazlewood taking 5-43 as the tourists bowled their hosts out for 141 in their second dig. The Windies were thwarted by a collapse of 6-26 in pursuit of 301 for victory, but were boosted by Australia's frequent tormentor Shamar Joseph who cracked 44 runs off 22 balls - including four sixes - in a furious cameo at No.10. Veteran spinner Nathan Lyon (2-20) struck twice in the final over of the day to seal a win that helped Australia overcome their shock loss in the WTC final and start the three-match series on a high. The tourists are likely to regain the injured Steve Smith for the second Test that begins in Grenada next week after his absence was glaring on a tough batting deck earlier in the match. But Australia posted a competitive second-innings total of 310 on day three thanks largely to middle-order trio Travis Head (61), Beau Webster (63) and Alex Carey (65). In the final session, Hazlewood took all four scalps in a West Indies batting implosion of 4-9 that devastated the hosts' middle order and had the veteran on a hat-trick at one stage. Hazlewood broke the best partnership among the recognised batters, a 43-run stand between Keacy Carty and John Campbell, when Campbell (23) played a daring lap shot straight into Carey's gloves. On Hazlewood's next ball, debutant Brandon King (0) caught a high inside edge to Cameron Green, who made up for dropping a sitter by leaping high at gully. Captain Roston Chase (2) could not replicate a solid first innings, caught from by Sam Konstas at short leg, before Hazlewood bowled the established batter Carty with a ball that seamed in on the tricky pitch. Axed from the XI, Marnus Labuschagne made a valuable contribution as a substitute fielder, whipping a direct hit at the stumps from the other end of the wicket to run Alzarri Joseph (0) out. Hazlewood completed his 13th Test "five-fer" when Jomel Warrican (3) edged to Carey the ball after surviving an lbw review. The end appeared nigh for West Indies when unlikely top-scorer Joseph edged Lyon to Usman Khawaja in the slips. Earlier, No.5 Head (61 off 95 balls) ignited Australia's fightback after the tourists went to stumps on day two in a precarious position at 4-92. Head was trapped lbw by a low delivery from cult hero paceman Joseph (5-87), who was again the West Indies' most important bowler after his match-winning heroics in Brisbane 17 months ago. Showing impressive patience, the usually furious Head had been given a life earlier, spilt by Justin Greaves on 21 as one one of the hosts' seven dropped catches for the match. After bringing up a third Test half-century, towering allrounder Webster (63 off 120) fell to an unfortunate tickle down the leg side as Joseph picked up his third wicket. Carey, displaying some exciting stroke-making, was out caught in the deep by Greaves off Chase - the only Australian wicket that fell to spin for the match. A bowling masterclass from Josh Hazlewood has helped Australia claim a resounding 159-run victory over the West Indies on day three of the Test series opener in Bridgetown. After a hotly contested first two days, Australia dominated on Friday (Saturday morning AEDT) with Hazlewood taking 5-43 as the tourists bowled their hosts out for 141 in their second dig. The Windies were thwarted by a collapse of 6-26 in pursuit of 301 for victory, but were boosted by Australia's frequent tormentor Shamar Joseph who cracked 44 runs off 22 balls - including four sixes - in a furious cameo at No.10. Veteran spinner Nathan Lyon (2-20) struck twice in the final over of the day to seal a win that helped Australia overcome their shock loss in the WTC final and start the three-match series on a high. The tourists are likely to regain the injured Steve Smith for the second Test that begins in Grenada next week after his absence was glaring on a tough batting deck earlier in the match. But Australia posted a competitive second-innings total of 310 on day three thanks largely to middle-order trio Travis Head (61), Beau Webster (63) and Alex Carey (65). In the final session, Hazlewood took all four scalps in a West Indies batting implosion of 4-9 that devastated the hosts' middle order and had the veteran on a hat-trick at one stage. Hazlewood broke the best partnership among the recognised batters, a 43-run stand between Keacy Carty and John Campbell, when Campbell (23) played a daring lap shot straight into Carey's gloves. On Hazlewood's next ball, debutant Brandon King (0) caught a high inside edge to Cameron Green, who made up for dropping a sitter by leaping high at gully. Captain Roston Chase (2) could not replicate a solid first innings, caught from by Sam Konstas at short leg, before Hazlewood bowled the established batter Carty with a ball that seamed in on the tricky pitch. Axed from the XI, Marnus Labuschagne made a valuable contribution as a substitute fielder, whipping a direct hit at the stumps from the other end of the wicket to run Alzarri Joseph (0) out. Hazlewood completed his 13th Test "five-fer" when Jomel Warrican (3) edged to Carey the ball after surviving an lbw review. The end appeared nigh for West Indies when unlikely top-scorer Joseph edged Lyon to Usman Khawaja in the slips. Earlier, No.5 Head (61 off 95 balls) ignited Australia's fightback after the tourists went to stumps on day two in a precarious position at 4-92. Head was trapped lbw by a low delivery from cult hero paceman Joseph (5-87), who was again the West Indies' most important bowler after his match-winning heroics in Brisbane 17 months ago. Showing impressive patience, the usually furious Head had been given a life earlier, spilt by Justin Greaves on 21 as one one of the hosts' seven dropped catches for the match. After bringing up a third Test half-century, towering allrounder Webster (63 off 120) fell to an unfortunate tickle down the leg side as Joseph picked up his third wicket. Carey, displaying some exciting stroke-making, was out caught in the deep by Greaves off Chase - the only Australian wicket that fell to spin for the match.
The Advertiser
29 minutes ago
- The Advertiser
From dust bin to Perth board: Cumins back with Bears
The man who spearheaded Perth's initial bid to return to the NRL has been placed on the Bears' board, eight months after being told his bid was "in the dust bin". Peter Cumins was on Saturday unveiled as one of nine directors, who will sit under inaugural chair and former Liberal party federal MP Ben Morton. The board also includes former treasurer Joe Hockey, ex-WA Cricket CEO Christina Matthews, North Sydney chair Daniel Dickson and Bears tragic James Bracey. But it is Cumins' name which is of most interest ahead of Perth's 2027 entry. The Cash Converters executive chair had spent more than a decade trying to have a Perth side back in the competition and led a high-profile consortium bid. But his dream looked dashed when he was accused of low-balling the NRL last year, not offering a license fee as part of the Western Bears' push for inclusion. The consortium later responded by offering up a $20 million fee, but by that point the NRL had moved on and decided to negotiate with the state government instead. Even so, Cumins' consortium remained crucial in the establishment of the 18th franchise. It was the consortium who reached an agreement with North Sydney for Perth to link with the Bears, while the bid document remains with the NRL. Despite the rejection, Cumins had long maintained he was open to assisting with any Perth side if it was to be admitted to the NRL. "It is very disappointing for us, but if they can get a team up in Perth and there is anything I can do to help, then I will," Cumins told AAP in January. "That was my motivation for being involved. "I am a rugby league man. I would love to see a Perth team get up. If it is not privately owned and is owned by the NRL then I am not fussed. "I will do anything to assist ... if asked." The appointment of the Bears' board puts the framework in place for coach Mal Meninga to hit the open market in November. Meninga has already appointed Penrith assistant Ben Gardiner as one of his deputies, while former Seven West news boss Anthony de Ceglie is CEO. "The Perth Bears is a club which is taking shape by the day and will quickly capture the hearts and minds of fans as we approach 2027," ARL Commission chair Peter V'landys said. "The inaugural and historic Perth Bears Board is comprised of a diverse group of individuals with the right skills to ensure the Perth Bears Club is successful and thrives. "The group comprises industry leaders both in Western Australia as well as across Australia more broadly, as well as sporting leaders. "The heritage of the North Sydney Bears, the energy of the west, all combined with an innovative and talented board of exceptional individuals will set the new club on the right path immediately." PERTH BEARS INAUGURAL BOARD: Ben Morton (Chair; Western Australian Business and Community Leader, Former Australian Government Minister) Emma Garlett (Western Australian lawyer) John Dumesny (Experienced Sports Administrator) Joe Hockey (Former Australian Treasurer and Diplomat) Christina Matthews (Western Australian Sports Administrator and Tourism Leader) Daniel Dickson (Chair of North Sydney Bears) James Bracey (TV sports presenter and journalist, former North Sydney Bears board member) Jacqueline Johnstone (Governance, integrity and strategy expert) Peter Cumins (Western Australia Businessman) The man who spearheaded Perth's initial bid to return to the NRL has been placed on the Bears' board, eight months after being told his bid was "in the dust bin". Peter Cumins was on Saturday unveiled as one of nine directors, who will sit under inaugural chair and former Liberal party federal MP Ben Morton. The board also includes former treasurer Joe Hockey, ex-WA Cricket CEO Christina Matthews, North Sydney chair Daniel Dickson and Bears tragic James Bracey. But it is Cumins' name which is of most interest ahead of Perth's 2027 entry. The Cash Converters executive chair had spent more than a decade trying to have a Perth side back in the competition and led a high-profile consortium bid. But his dream looked dashed when he was accused of low-balling the NRL last year, not offering a license fee as part of the Western Bears' push for inclusion. The consortium later responded by offering up a $20 million fee, but by that point the NRL had moved on and decided to negotiate with the state government instead. Even so, Cumins' consortium remained crucial in the establishment of the 18th franchise. It was the consortium who reached an agreement with North Sydney for Perth to link with the Bears, while the bid document remains with the NRL. Despite the rejection, Cumins had long maintained he was open to assisting with any Perth side if it was to be admitted to the NRL. "It is very disappointing for us, but if they can get a team up in Perth and there is anything I can do to help, then I will," Cumins told AAP in January. "That was my motivation for being involved. "I am a rugby league man. I would love to see a Perth team get up. If it is not privately owned and is owned by the NRL then I am not fussed. "I will do anything to assist ... if asked." The appointment of the Bears' board puts the framework in place for coach Mal Meninga to hit the open market in November. Meninga has already appointed Penrith assistant Ben Gardiner as one of his deputies, while former Seven West news boss Anthony de Ceglie is CEO. "The Perth Bears is a club which is taking shape by the day and will quickly capture the hearts and minds of fans as we approach 2027," ARL Commission chair Peter V'landys said. "The inaugural and historic Perth Bears Board is comprised of a diverse group of individuals with the right skills to ensure the Perth Bears Club is successful and thrives. "The group comprises industry leaders both in Western Australia as well as across Australia more broadly, as well as sporting leaders. "The heritage of the North Sydney Bears, the energy of the west, all combined with an innovative and talented board of exceptional individuals will set the new club on the right path immediately." PERTH BEARS INAUGURAL BOARD: Ben Morton (Chair; Western Australian Business and Community Leader, Former Australian Government Minister) Emma Garlett (Western Australian lawyer) John Dumesny (Experienced Sports Administrator) Joe Hockey (Former Australian Treasurer and Diplomat) Christina Matthews (Western Australian Sports Administrator and Tourism Leader) Daniel Dickson (Chair of North Sydney Bears) James Bracey (TV sports presenter and journalist, former North Sydney Bears board member) Jacqueline Johnstone (Governance, integrity and strategy expert) Peter Cumins (Western Australia Businessman) The man who spearheaded Perth's initial bid to return to the NRL has been placed on the Bears' board, eight months after being told his bid was "in the dust bin". Peter Cumins was on Saturday unveiled as one of nine directors, who will sit under inaugural chair and former Liberal party federal MP Ben Morton. The board also includes former treasurer Joe Hockey, ex-WA Cricket CEO Christina Matthews, North Sydney chair Daniel Dickson and Bears tragic James Bracey. But it is Cumins' name which is of most interest ahead of Perth's 2027 entry. The Cash Converters executive chair had spent more than a decade trying to have a Perth side back in the competition and led a high-profile consortium bid. But his dream looked dashed when he was accused of low-balling the NRL last year, not offering a license fee as part of the Western Bears' push for inclusion. The consortium later responded by offering up a $20 million fee, but by that point the NRL had moved on and decided to negotiate with the state government instead. Even so, Cumins' consortium remained crucial in the establishment of the 18th franchise. It was the consortium who reached an agreement with North Sydney for Perth to link with the Bears, while the bid document remains with the NRL. Despite the rejection, Cumins had long maintained he was open to assisting with any Perth side if it was to be admitted to the NRL. "It is very disappointing for us, but if they can get a team up in Perth and there is anything I can do to help, then I will," Cumins told AAP in January. "That was my motivation for being involved. "I am a rugby league man. I would love to see a Perth team get up. If it is not privately owned and is owned by the NRL then I am not fussed. "I will do anything to assist ... if asked." The appointment of the Bears' board puts the framework in place for coach Mal Meninga to hit the open market in November. Meninga has already appointed Penrith assistant Ben Gardiner as one of his deputies, while former Seven West news boss Anthony de Ceglie is CEO. "The Perth Bears is a club which is taking shape by the day and will quickly capture the hearts and minds of fans as we approach 2027," ARL Commission chair Peter V'landys said. "The inaugural and historic Perth Bears Board is comprised of a diverse group of individuals with the right skills to ensure the Perth Bears Club is successful and thrives. "The group comprises industry leaders both in Western Australia as well as across Australia more broadly, as well as sporting leaders. "The heritage of the North Sydney Bears, the energy of the west, all combined with an innovative and talented board of exceptional individuals will set the new club on the right path immediately." PERTH BEARS INAUGURAL BOARD: Ben Morton (Chair; Western Australian Business and Community Leader, Former Australian Government Minister) Emma Garlett (Western Australian lawyer) John Dumesny (Experienced Sports Administrator) Joe Hockey (Former Australian Treasurer and Diplomat) Christina Matthews (Western Australian Sports Administrator and Tourism Leader) Daniel Dickson (Chair of North Sydney Bears) James Bracey (TV sports presenter and journalist, former North Sydney Bears board member) Jacqueline Johnstone (Governance, integrity and strategy expert) Peter Cumins (Western Australia Businessman)
News.com.au
36 minutes ago
- News.com.au
Kalyn Ponga ruled out of State of Origin decider as Reece Walsh set to be recalled
Queensland star Kalyn Ponga is out of the State of Origin decider in a massive blow for Billy Slater's men. The Knights captain left the field in distress in the 60th minute of Newcastle's narrow 22-18 loss to the Raiders at McDonald Jones Stadium on Friday night. FOX LEAGUE, available on Kayo Sports, is the only place to watch every game of every round in the 2025 NRL Telstra Premiership, LIVE with no ad-breaks during play. New to Kayo? Get your first month for just $1. Limited-time offer. He was seen after the game in a moon boot and will go for scans over the weekend for what is believed to be a Lisfranc injury. If it is confirmed as a Lisfranc his season will be over. But what is for certain is he won't be part of Slater's side for the series decider in just over a week. If a midfoot sprain is confirmed, the best-case scenario would see the Knights star sidelined for two to six weeks. But if it is as feared and scans reveal it is a high-grade injury, the 27-year-old would require surgery and would miss the remainder of the NRL season – a massive blow to the Knights' slim chances of playing finals footy in 2025. It comes after the fullback suffered a Lisfranc injury last season on his opposite foot, which required surgery and saw him miss 11 weeks of football. Ponga's injury has opened the door for Reece Walsh to earn an Origin call-up. Walsh will line up against the Warriors on Saturday afternoon and a strong display will all but certainly see him recalled by Slater. While Dolphins star Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow is another fullback option for Slater, but that move appears less likely. Walsh has played five Origin games and if not being out with a knee injury early in the season, many believe he would have been Slater's preferred No.1. Walsh's knee is still far from right with the fullback seen limping on several occasions during the Broncos' 34-28 comeback win over Cronulla last week. However, the 22-year-old says it is getting better each week. 'It's good, I was trying to hide it (laughs),' Walsh said of his knee. 'It's a work in progress. I am still trying to get used to the feel of it.' NSW will have a home-ground advantage for the series decider, which will take place at Sydney's Accor Stadium on Wednesday, July 9.
