Pompey puts Warriors on the board
Despite being down a player, the Warriors scored first through Adam Pompey in their Anzac Day clash with the Knights in Christchurch.
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The Advertiser
5 hours ago
- The Advertiser
Knights halfback has a point to prove in NRL recall
Off-contract halfback Jackson Hastings will have a chance to remind Newcastle coach Adam O'Brien of his talent when he plays against the Sydney Roosters. O'Brien is well aware out-of-favour Hastings will be out to push his case when he lines up for his first NRL game this year at McDonald Jones Stadium on Saturday. The 29-year-old's career at the Knights had looked finished, having gone unsighted at NRL level since last July. He couldn't convince O'Brien for a crack into the first grade side even as Newcastle struggled with seven losses from eight games between March and May. Now more than halfway through the 27-round season, O'Brien has finally called upon Hastings out of necessity. The Knights had few options, with Kalyn Ponga away on State of Origin duty, Tyson Gamble (thumb) out injured and Will Pryce released to the English Super League in March. Newcastle also lost star Fletcher Sharpe (calf) on Friday. "There's a few guys in that situation and I have empathy for them," O'Brien said of Hastings being off contract. "Having an uncertain future is always a worry, but the only thing you control is your performance and that will give you your best chance. "It's a credit to Jackson. The injuries have presented an opportunity for him, and I can't fault him. "I knew that we'd get that from Jackson too, when you saw how genuine his celebration of the win last week was. "He probably could sense that there might be an opportunity." Hastings will partner Jack Cogger in the halves, while newly re-signed Fletcher Hunt replaces injured Sharpe at fullback. Kyle McCarthy joins the outside backs at centre. "It's similar in style as well as looks. They're cloned," O'Brien said of the two Fletchers. "The looks, the country type, casual nature and then putting themselves in the frame like you saw with the kick last week. "Both of those guys just have a great knack for putting themselves in a position to make something happen." Newcastle's meeting with the Roosters comes amid speculation surrounding Dom Young's playing future. Tricolours coach Trent Robinson said Young could "possibly" be playing his final Roosters game against the Knights, who are plotting to bring the winger back to the Hunter before the June 30 transfer deadline. Young has fallen out of favour at the Roosters this season following the rapid rise of Queensland centre Robert Toia and rugby convert Mark Nawaqanitawase. Newcastle have publicly courted Young, who played on the right wing in their 2023 finals campaign, and the Roosters are open to a release. There is a possibility Young plays against the Knights on Saturday, and for them next weekend, with Robinson saying he expected clarification on the Englishman's future in a matter of days. O'Brien said he'd wait until after the game to contact Young. "If it happens that he's wearing our colours on Sunday morning - well, that'll be fantastic, but we're not there yet," O'Brien said. Off-contract halfback Jackson Hastings will have a chance to remind Newcastle coach Adam O'Brien of his talent when he plays against the Sydney Roosters. O'Brien is well aware out-of-favour Hastings will be out to push his case when he lines up for his first NRL game this year at McDonald Jones Stadium on Saturday. The 29-year-old's career at the Knights had looked finished, having gone unsighted at NRL level since last July. He couldn't convince O'Brien for a crack into the first grade side even as Newcastle struggled with seven losses from eight games between March and May. Now more than halfway through the 27-round season, O'Brien has finally called upon Hastings out of necessity. The Knights had few options, with Kalyn Ponga away on State of Origin duty, Tyson Gamble (thumb) out injured and Will Pryce released to the English Super League in March. Newcastle also lost star Fletcher Sharpe (calf) on Friday. "There's a few guys in that situation and I have empathy for them," O'Brien said of Hastings being off contract. "Having an uncertain future is always a worry, but the only thing you control is your performance and that will give you your best chance. "It's a credit to Jackson. The injuries have presented an opportunity for him, and I can't fault him. "I knew that we'd get that from Jackson too, when you saw how genuine his celebration of the win last week was. "He probably could sense that there might be an opportunity." Hastings will partner Jack Cogger in the halves, while newly re-signed Fletcher Hunt replaces injured Sharpe at fullback. Kyle McCarthy joins the outside backs at centre. "It's similar in style as well as looks. They're cloned," O'Brien said of the two Fletchers. "The looks, the country type, casual nature and then putting themselves in the frame like you saw with the kick last week. "Both of those guys just have a great knack for putting themselves in a position to make something happen." Newcastle's meeting with the Roosters comes amid speculation surrounding Dom Young's playing future. Tricolours coach Trent Robinson said Young could "possibly" be playing his final Roosters game against the Knights, who are plotting to bring the winger back to the Hunter before the June 30 transfer deadline. Young has fallen out of favour at the Roosters this season following the rapid rise of Queensland centre Robert Toia and rugby convert Mark Nawaqanitawase. Newcastle have publicly courted Young, who played on the right wing in their 2023 finals campaign, and the Roosters are open to a release. There is a possibility Young plays against the Knights on Saturday, and for them next weekend, with Robinson saying he expected clarification on the Englishman's future in a matter of days. O'Brien said he'd wait until after the game to contact Young. "If it happens that he's wearing our colours on Sunday morning - well, that'll be fantastic, but we're not there yet," O'Brien said. Off-contract halfback Jackson Hastings will have a chance to remind Newcastle coach Adam O'Brien of his talent when he plays against the Sydney Roosters. O'Brien is well aware out-of-favour Hastings will be out to push his case when he lines up for his first NRL game this year at McDonald Jones Stadium on Saturday. The 29-year-old's career at the Knights had looked finished, having gone unsighted at NRL level since last July. He couldn't convince O'Brien for a crack into the first grade side even as Newcastle struggled with seven losses from eight games between March and May. Now more than halfway through the 27-round season, O'Brien has finally called upon Hastings out of necessity. The Knights had few options, with Kalyn Ponga away on State of Origin duty, Tyson Gamble (thumb) out injured and Will Pryce released to the English Super League in March. Newcastle also lost star Fletcher Sharpe (calf) on Friday. "There's a few guys in that situation and I have empathy for them," O'Brien said of Hastings being off contract. "Having an uncertain future is always a worry, but the only thing you control is your performance and that will give you your best chance. "It's a credit to Jackson. The injuries have presented an opportunity for him, and I can't fault him. "I knew that we'd get that from Jackson too, when you saw how genuine his celebration of the win last week was. "He probably could sense that there might be an opportunity." Hastings will partner Jack Cogger in the halves, while newly re-signed Fletcher Hunt replaces injured Sharpe at fullback. Kyle McCarthy joins the outside backs at centre. "It's similar in style as well as looks. They're cloned," O'Brien said of the two Fletchers. "The looks, the country type, casual nature and then putting themselves in the frame like you saw with the kick last week. "Both of those guys just have a great knack for putting themselves in a position to make something happen." Newcastle's meeting with the Roosters comes amid speculation surrounding Dom Young's playing future. Tricolours coach Trent Robinson said Young could "possibly" be playing his final Roosters game against the Knights, who are plotting to bring the winger back to the Hunter before the June 30 transfer deadline. Young has fallen out of favour at the Roosters this season following the rapid rise of Queensland centre Robert Toia and rugby convert Mark Nawaqanitawase. Newcastle have publicly courted Young, who played on the right wing in their 2023 finals campaign, and the Roosters are open to a release. There is a possibility Young plays against the Knights on Saturday, and for them next weekend, with Robinson saying he expected clarification on the Englishman's future in a matter of days. O'Brien said he'd wait until after the game to contact Young. "If it happens that he's wearing our colours on Sunday morning - well, that'll be fantastic, but we're not there yet," O'Brien said.
News.com.au
6 hours ago
- News.com.au
Knights superstar Kalyn Ponga linked with shock $2m NRL defection
Knights superstar Kalyn Ponga is reportedly being targeted by overseas rugby union franchises, who are plotting an audacious bid to recruit the gun fullback. According to Code Sports, French and English rugby clubs have reportedly made inquiries to garner Ponga's potential interest in making a switch to the 15-man code. 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 > The 27-year-old is currently contracted until the end of the 2027 season, with the threat of a poaching road by the Perth Bears also lingering for Knights powerbrokers. However, his reported $1.4 million Newcastle salary could be overshadowed by the potential $2 million deals on offer in European rugby. Ponga was born in Port Hedland, Western Australia, but has consistently been linked with rugby after spending his high school years playing for Churchie's First XV. He has also made no secret of his desire to one day represent the All Blacks, which a move to rugby could kickstart should he wish to follow that path. Ponga also reportedly is passionate about the Knights and the Maroons, who he will represent in the No. 1 jersey in Game 2 of the 2025 Origin series on Wednesday. 'Yes, there's been some interest in Kalyn from rugby clubs overseas,' Ponga's father Andre said. 'We've had a few parties calling us saying there's interest, but I try not to listen to managers and other people. 'The interest is from overseas rugby, but it's not a conversation we are worrying about right now. 'There has been talk about Kalyn going overseas at the end of 2027, but Kalyn is staying patient and seeing where the Knights are. 'He doesn't want to be rushed into a decision two years out. 'There's still a lot of time ahead for him. I am always one to say to him, 'See what your options are and then you can make a considered decision about your future'.' The next Rugby World Cup takes place in 2027, the same year his contract with the Knights expires, meaning it would be unlikely he could feature in that tournament. Andre Ponga, meanwhile, said he wouldn't push his son to make a switch to the 15-man code. 'To be honest, I would probably encourage him not to go to rugby, but I will always support what Kalyn wants to do, rather than telling him what he should do,' he said. 'There are two more franchises coming into the NRL over the next few years. 'He is coming off-contract at the right time to know what the next phase of his career is going to look like. 'There will be a new salary cap in 2027-28 and they say these are the golden years Kalyn is coming into.'
The Advertiser
9 hours ago
- The Advertiser
Another debutant gets chance as injury forces major reshuffle for Knights
BOOM rookie Fletcher Hunt made his Knights debut on the wing, has been deployed at centre and will now line up at fullback against the Sydney Roosters at McDonald Jones Stadium on Saturday after Fletcher Sharpe succumbed to a calf injury. Sharpe suffered the injury late in the Knights' come-from-behind 26-22 win over Manly. Although a minor issue, coach Adam O'Brien has erred on the side of caution with the gamebreaker. His absence has caused a major reshuffle. Hunt, who this week inked a two-year extension with the club, moves from centre to fullback. Kyle McCarthy was the 18th man and will now line up at left centre. "Fletcher Sharpe pinged a calf at the back end of the game. It is a strain in the gastrocnemius, which you can't play around with. If it has been a soleus, which is at the bottom of the calf, he may have been a chance." There is also a fresh face on the interchange bench. Brock Greacen, who is on a trial and train contract, comes in most likley for Matt Arthur. The 22-year-old from Denman can play in the middle or the edge and has been rewarded for form in the Knights NSW Cup side. "Brock is the exact mould of what we want a Knights player to look like," O'Brien said. "He is tough and gritty. He has been so consistent. He has been our best performer week-in, week-out in the in NSW Cup. That is how you get your debut if an opportunity arises." Greacen will be the fifth player to make his NRL debut for the Knights this season. "One of the exciting things for this weekend is that we have 11 out of the 17 who have come through our pathways," coach Adam O'Brien said. "We have said for a long time that we have to make sure we are developing a strong pathway system. I feel like the club is on the right path." BOOM rookie Fletcher Hunt made his Knights debut on the wing, has been deployed at centre and will now line up at fullback against the Sydney Roosters at McDonald Jones Stadium on Saturday after Fletcher Sharpe succumbed to a calf injury. Sharpe suffered the injury late in the Knights' come-from-behind 26-22 win over Manly. Although a minor issue, coach Adam O'Brien has erred on the side of caution with the gamebreaker. His absence has caused a major reshuffle. Hunt, who this week inked a two-year extension with the club, moves from centre to fullback. Kyle McCarthy was the 18th man and will now line up at left centre. "Fletcher Sharpe pinged a calf at the back end of the game. It is a strain in the gastrocnemius, which you can't play around with. If it has been a soleus, which is at the bottom of the calf, he may have been a chance." There is also a fresh face on the interchange bench. Brock Greacen, who is on a trial and train contract, comes in most likley for Matt Arthur. The 22-year-old from Denman can play in the middle or the edge and has been rewarded for form in the Knights NSW Cup side. "Brock is the exact mould of what we want a Knights player to look like," O'Brien said. "He is tough and gritty. He has been so consistent. He has been our best performer week-in, week-out in the in NSW Cup. That is how you get your debut if an opportunity arises." Greacen will be the fifth player to make his NRL debut for the Knights this season. "One of the exciting things for this weekend is that we have 11 out of the 17 who have come through our pathways," coach Adam O'Brien said. "We have said for a long time that we have to make sure we are developing a strong pathway system. I feel like the club is on the right path." BOOM rookie Fletcher Hunt made his Knights debut on the wing, has been deployed at centre and will now line up at fullback against the Sydney Roosters at McDonald Jones Stadium on Saturday after Fletcher Sharpe succumbed to a calf injury. Sharpe suffered the injury late in the Knights' come-from-behind 26-22 win over Manly. Although a minor issue, coach Adam O'Brien has erred on the side of caution with the gamebreaker. His absence has caused a major reshuffle. Hunt, who this week inked a two-year extension with the club, moves from centre to fullback. Kyle McCarthy was the 18th man and will now line up at left centre. "Fletcher Sharpe pinged a calf at the back end of the game. It is a strain in the gastrocnemius, which you can't play around with. If it has been a soleus, which is at the bottom of the calf, he may have been a chance." There is also a fresh face on the interchange bench. Brock Greacen, who is on a trial and train contract, comes in most likley for Matt Arthur. The 22-year-old from Denman can play in the middle or the edge and has been rewarded for form in the Knights NSW Cup side. "Brock is the exact mould of what we want a Knights player to look like," O'Brien said. "He is tough and gritty. He has been so consistent. He has been our best performer week-in, week-out in the in NSW Cup. That is how you get your debut if an opportunity arises." Greacen will be the fifth player to make his NRL debut for the Knights this season. "One of the exciting things for this weekend is that we have 11 out of the 17 who have come through our pathways," coach Adam O'Brien said. "We have said for a long time that we have to make sure we are developing a strong pathway system. I feel like the club is on the right path." BOOM rookie Fletcher Hunt made his Knights debut on the wing, has been deployed at centre and will now line up at fullback against the Sydney Roosters at McDonald Jones Stadium on Saturday after Fletcher Sharpe succumbed to a calf injury. Sharpe suffered the injury late in the Knights' come-from-behind 26-22 win over Manly. Although a minor issue, coach Adam O'Brien has erred on the side of caution with the gamebreaker. His absence has caused a major reshuffle. Hunt, who this week inked a two-year extension with the club, moves from centre to fullback. Kyle McCarthy was the 18th man and will now line up at left centre. "Fletcher Sharpe pinged a calf at the back end of the game. It is a strain in the gastrocnemius, which you can't play around with. If it has been a soleus, which is at the bottom of the calf, he may have been a chance." There is also a fresh face on the interchange bench. Brock Greacen, who is on a trial and train contract, comes in most likley for Matt Arthur. The 22-year-old from Denman can play in the middle or the edge and has been rewarded for form in the Knights NSW Cup side. "Brock is the exact mould of what we want a Knights player to look like," O'Brien said. "He is tough and gritty. He has been so consistent. He has been our best performer week-in, week-out in the in NSW Cup. That is how you get your debut if an opportunity arises." Greacen will be the fifth player to make his NRL debut for the Knights this season. "One of the exciting things for this weekend is that we have 11 out of the 17 who have come through our pathways," coach Adam O'Brien said. "We have said for a long time that we have to make sure we are developing a strong pathway system. I feel like the club is on the right path."
