Latest news with #Origin
The Advertiser
an hour ago
- Sport
- The Advertiser
Knights blast 'ridiculous' draw as hefty ban looms for prop
Adam O'Brien's fury over the NRL draw is set to be compounded with Newcastle prop Leo Thompson handed a four-game ban from head office. Less than 12 hours on from O'Brien labelling the draw as "ridiculous" after Kalyn Ponga sat out the 20-6 loss to St George Illawarra, the Knights suffered another blow on Saturday. Thompson was hit with a grade-two charge for a crusher tackle on Hamish Stewart, with two previous offences since late last year meaning he is facing an extended ban. The Kiwi front-rower can accept a four-match suspension, or risk a fifth on the sidelines if he fights the charge and loses. Thompson's ban will do little to ease pressure on O'Brien, with Newcastle having won two of their past 10 games and on a downward spiral. Ponga was part of the Queensland side who lost the State of Origin series opener on Wednesday, but at O'Brien's insistence was put on ice for Friday's loss to the Dragons. The fullback has been carrying an ankle injury through the Maroons camp but is expected to play next Thursday's home game against Manly. O'Brien said he rested Ponga for his own good but claimed his side had been given no favours by the NRL's draw. "In this battle we lost to the scheduling and the draw," O'Brien said. "Someone has got to play Friday ... we get that but then they hit us next Thursday as well, so it would have been three games in eight days [for Ponga]. "I always knew that once the draw came out we would cop the Friday after Origin, but it would have been good if someone said, 'Give them the Saturday or the Sunday the following week'. "But whoever does the draws either hasn't lived it or doesn't care, so I don't know which one it is. "You have got teams like Canberra who haven't had a bye yet and then you have got teams who haven't left home in seven games in a row. It's ridiculous." Knights forward Tyson Frizell was charged with a grade one careless high tackle on Friday night and faces a $1000 fine with an early guilty plea. Newcastle's loss followed an encouraging win over a Penrith side missing five players to NSW Origin duties a week earlier in Bathurst. O'Brien's men remain within touching distance of the top eight but they will need to go up a gear over the next month, where three of their four games are at home, if they are to make the finals. The Knights are hopeful of having Greg Marzhew back to face the Sea Eagles next week but Bradman Best and Jacob Saifiti remain a long way from fitness. "I think within the next month, we should get the majority of our personnel back on deck," O'Brien said. "You're always concerned a little bit, but you can't get caught up in [who is available]. "We've got to get caught up in playing Manly at home next week and making sure that we get that right and fixing some of our discipline." Adam O'Brien's fury over the NRL draw is set to be compounded with Newcastle prop Leo Thompson handed a four-game ban from head office. Less than 12 hours on from O'Brien labelling the draw as "ridiculous" after Kalyn Ponga sat out the 20-6 loss to St George Illawarra, the Knights suffered another blow on Saturday. Thompson was hit with a grade-two charge for a crusher tackle on Hamish Stewart, with two previous offences since late last year meaning he is facing an extended ban. The Kiwi front-rower can accept a four-match suspension, or risk a fifth on the sidelines if he fights the charge and loses. Thompson's ban will do little to ease pressure on O'Brien, with Newcastle having won two of their past 10 games and on a downward spiral. Ponga was part of the Queensland side who lost the State of Origin series opener on Wednesday, but at O'Brien's insistence was put on ice for Friday's loss to the Dragons. The fullback has been carrying an ankle injury through the Maroons camp but is expected to play next Thursday's home game against Manly. O'Brien said he rested Ponga for his own good but claimed his side had been given no favours by the NRL's draw. "In this battle we lost to the scheduling and the draw," O'Brien said. "Someone has got to play Friday ... we get that but then they hit us next Thursday as well, so it would have been three games in eight days [for Ponga]. "I always knew that once the draw came out we would cop the Friday after Origin, but it would have been good if someone said, 'Give them the Saturday or the Sunday the following week'. "But whoever does the draws either hasn't lived it or doesn't care, so I don't know which one it is. "You have got teams like Canberra who haven't had a bye yet and then you have got teams who haven't left home in seven games in a row. It's ridiculous." Knights forward Tyson Frizell was charged with a grade one careless high tackle on Friday night and faces a $1000 fine with an early guilty plea. Newcastle's loss followed an encouraging win over a Penrith side missing five players to NSW Origin duties a week earlier in Bathurst. O'Brien's men remain within touching distance of the top eight but they will need to go up a gear over the next month, where three of their four games are at home, if they are to make the finals. The Knights are hopeful of having Greg Marzhew back to face the Sea Eagles next week but Bradman Best and Jacob Saifiti remain a long way from fitness. "I think within the next month, we should get the majority of our personnel back on deck," O'Brien said. "You're always concerned a little bit, but you can't get caught up in [who is available]. "We've got to get caught up in playing Manly at home next week and making sure that we get that right and fixing some of our discipline." Adam O'Brien's fury over the NRL draw is set to be compounded with Newcastle prop Leo Thompson handed a four-game ban from head office. Less than 12 hours on from O'Brien labelling the draw as "ridiculous" after Kalyn Ponga sat out the 20-6 loss to St George Illawarra, the Knights suffered another blow on Saturday. Thompson was hit with a grade-two charge for a crusher tackle on Hamish Stewart, with two previous offences since late last year meaning he is facing an extended ban. The Kiwi front-rower can accept a four-match suspension, or risk a fifth on the sidelines if he fights the charge and loses. Thompson's ban will do little to ease pressure on O'Brien, with Newcastle having won two of their past 10 games and on a downward spiral. Ponga was part of the Queensland side who lost the State of Origin series opener on Wednesday, but at O'Brien's insistence was put on ice for Friday's loss to the Dragons. The fullback has been carrying an ankle injury through the Maroons camp but is expected to play next Thursday's home game against Manly. O'Brien said he rested Ponga for his own good but claimed his side had been given no favours by the NRL's draw. "In this battle we lost to the scheduling and the draw," O'Brien said. "Someone has got to play Friday ... we get that but then they hit us next Thursday as well, so it would have been three games in eight days [for Ponga]. "I always knew that once the draw came out we would cop the Friday after Origin, but it would have been good if someone said, 'Give them the Saturday or the Sunday the following week'. "But whoever does the draws either hasn't lived it or doesn't care, so I don't know which one it is. "You have got teams like Canberra who haven't had a bye yet and then you have got teams who haven't left home in seven games in a row. It's ridiculous." Knights forward Tyson Frizell was charged with a grade one careless high tackle on Friday night and faces a $1000 fine with an early guilty plea. Newcastle's loss followed an encouraging win over a Penrith side missing five players to NSW Origin duties a week earlier in Bathurst. O'Brien's men remain within touching distance of the top eight but they will need to go up a gear over the next month, where three of their four games are at home, if they are to make the finals. The Knights are hopeful of having Greg Marzhew back to face the Sea Eagles next week but Bradman Best and Jacob Saifiti remain a long way from fitness. "I think within the next month, we should get the majority of our personnel back on deck," O'Brien said. "You're always concerned a little bit, but you can't get caught up in [who is available]. "We've got to get caught up in playing Manly at home next week and making sure that we get that right and fixing some of our discipline." Adam O'Brien's fury over the NRL draw is set to be compounded with Newcastle prop Leo Thompson handed a four-game ban from head office. Less than 12 hours on from O'Brien labelling the draw as "ridiculous" after Kalyn Ponga sat out the 20-6 loss to St George Illawarra, the Knights suffered another blow on Saturday. Thompson was hit with a grade-two charge for a crusher tackle on Hamish Stewart, with two previous offences since late last year meaning he is facing an extended ban. The Kiwi front-rower can accept a four-match suspension, or risk a fifth on the sidelines if he fights the charge and loses. Thompson's ban will do little to ease pressure on O'Brien, with Newcastle having won two of their past 10 games and on a downward spiral. Ponga was part of the Queensland side who lost the State of Origin series opener on Wednesday, but at O'Brien's insistence was put on ice for Friday's loss to the Dragons. The fullback has been carrying an ankle injury through the Maroons camp but is expected to play next Thursday's home game against Manly. O'Brien said he rested Ponga for his own good but claimed his side had been given no favours by the NRL's draw. "In this battle we lost to the scheduling and the draw," O'Brien said. "Someone has got to play Friday ... we get that but then they hit us next Thursday as well, so it would have been three games in eight days [for Ponga]. "I always knew that once the draw came out we would cop the Friday after Origin, but it would have been good if someone said, 'Give them the Saturday or the Sunday the following week'. "But whoever does the draws either hasn't lived it or doesn't care, so I don't know which one it is. "You have got teams like Canberra who haven't had a bye yet and then you have got teams who haven't left home in seven games in a row. It's ridiculous." Knights forward Tyson Frizell was charged with a grade one careless high tackle on Friday night and faces a $1000 fine with an early guilty plea. Newcastle's loss followed an encouraging win over a Penrith side missing five players to NSW Origin duties a week earlier in Bathurst. O'Brien's men remain within touching distance of the top eight but they will need to go up a gear over the next month, where three of their four games are at home, if they are to make the finals. The Knights are hopeful of having Greg Marzhew back to face the Sea Eagles next week but Bradman Best and Jacob Saifiti remain a long way from fitness. "I think within the next month, we should get the majority of our personnel back on deck," O'Brien said. "You're always concerned a little bit, but you can't get caught up in [who is available]. "We've got to get caught up in playing Manly at home next week and making sure that we get that right and fixing some of our discipline."
The Advertiser
an hour ago
- Sport
- The Advertiser
Knights blast 'ridiculous' draw as ban looms for prop
Adam O'Brien's fury over the NRL draw is set to be compounded with Newcastle prop Leo Thompson handed a four-game ban from head office. Less than 12 hours on from O'Brien labelling the draw as "ridiculous" after Kalyn Ponga sat out the 20-6 loss to St George Illawarra, the Knights suffered another blow on Saturday. Thompson was hit with a grade-two charge for a crusher tackle on Hamish Stewart, with two previous offences since late last year meaning he is facing an extended ban. The Kiwi front-rower can accept a four-match suspension, or risk a fifth on the sidelines if he fights the charge and loses. Thompson's ban will do little to ease pressure on O'Brien, with Newcastle having won two of their last 10 games and on a downward spiral. Ponga was part of the Queensland side who lost the State of Origin series opener on Wednesday, but at O'Brien's insistence was put on ice for Friday's loss to the Dragons. The fullback has been carrying an ankle injury through the Maroons camp but is expected to play next Thursday's home game against Manly. O'Brien said he rested Ponga for his own good but claimed his side had been given no favours by the NRL's draw. "In this battle we lost to the scheduling and the draw," O'Brien said. "Someone has got to play Friday … we get that but then they hit us next Thursday as well so it would have been three games in eight days (for Ponga). "I always knew that once the draw came out we would cop the Friday after Origin, but it would have been good if someone said, give them the Saturday or the Sunday the following week. "But whoever does the draws either hasn't lived it or doesn't care, so I don't know which one it is. "You have got teams like Canberra who haven't had a bye yet and then you have got teams who haven't left home in seven games in a row. It's ridiculous." Newcastle's loss followed an encouraging win over a Penrith side missing five players to NSW Origin duties a week earlier in Bathurst. O'Brien's men remain within touching distance of the top eight but they will need to go up a gear over the next month, where three of their four games are at home, if they are to make the finals. The Knights are hopeful of having Greg Marzhew back to face the Sea Eagles next week but Bradman Best and Jacob Saifiti remain a long way from fitness. "I think within the next month, we should get the majority of our personnel back on deck," O'Brien said. "You're always concerned a little bit, but you can't get caught up in (who is available). "We've got to get caught up in playing Manly at home next week and making sure that we get that right and fixing some of our discipline." Adam O'Brien's fury over the NRL draw is set to be compounded with Newcastle prop Leo Thompson handed a four-game ban from head office. Less than 12 hours on from O'Brien labelling the draw as "ridiculous" after Kalyn Ponga sat out the 20-6 loss to St George Illawarra, the Knights suffered another blow on Saturday. Thompson was hit with a grade-two charge for a crusher tackle on Hamish Stewart, with two previous offences since late last year meaning he is facing an extended ban. The Kiwi front-rower can accept a four-match suspension, or risk a fifth on the sidelines if he fights the charge and loses. Thompson's ban will do little to ease pressure on O'Brien, with Newcastle having won two of their last 10 games and on a downward spiral. Ponga was part of the Queensland side who lost the State of Origin series opener on Wednesday, but at O'Brien's insistence was put on ice for Friday's loss to the Dragons. The fullback has been carrying an ankle injury through the Maroons camp but is expected to play next Thursday's home game against Manly. O'Brien said he rested Ponga for his own good but claimed his side had been given no favours by the NRL's draw. "In this battle we lost to the scheduling and the draw," O'Brien said. "Someone has got to play Friday … we get that but then they hit us next Thursday as well so it would have been three games in eight days (for Ponga). "I always knew that once the draw came out we would cop the Friday after Origin, but it would have been good if someone said, give them the Saturday or the Sunday the following week. "But whoever does the draws either hasn't lived it or doesn't care, so I don't know which one it is. "You have got teams like Canberra who haven't had a bye yet and then you have got teams who haven't left home in seven games in a row. It's ridiculous." Newcastle's loss followed an encouraging win over a Penrith side missing five players to NSW Origin duties a week earlier in Bathurst. O'Brien's men remain within touching distance of the top eight but they will need to go up a gear over the next month, where three of their four games are at home, if they are to make the finals. The Knights are hopeful of having Greg Marzhew back to face the Sea Eagles next week but Bradman Best and Jacob Saifiti remain a long way from fitness. "I think within the next month, we should get the majority of our personnel back on deck," O'Brien said. "You're always concerned a little bit, but you can't get caught up in (who is available). "We've got to get caught up in playing Manly at home next week and making sure that we get that right and fixing some of our discipline." Adam O'Brien's fury over the NRL draw is set to be compounded with Newcastle prop Leo Thompson handed a four-game ban from head office. Less than 12 hours on from O'Brien labelling the draw as "ridiculous" after Kalyn Ponga sat out the 20-6 loss to St George Illawarra, the Knights suffered another blow on Saturday. Thompson was hit with a grade-two charge for a crusher tackle on Hamish Stewart, with two previous offences since late last year meaning he is facing an extended ban. The Kiwi front-rower can accept a four-match suspension, or risk a fifth on the sidelines if he fights the charge and loses. Thompson's ban will do little to ease pressure on O'Brien, with Newcastle having won two of their last 10 games and on a downward spiral. Ponga was part of the Queensland side who lost the State of Origin series opener on Wednesday, but at O'Brien's insistence was put on ice for Friday's loss to the Dragons. The fullback has been carrying an ankle injury through the Maroons camp but is expected to play next Thursday's home game against Manly. O'Brien said he rested Ponga for his own good but claimed his side had been given no favours by the NRL's draw. "In this battle we lost to the scheduling and the draw," O'Brien said. "Someone has got to play Friday … we get that but then they hit us next Thursday as well so it would have been three games in eight days (for Ponga). "I always knew that once the draw came out we would cop the Friday after Origin, but it would have been good if someone said, give them the Saturday or the Sunday the following week. "But whoever does the draws either hasn't lived it or doesn't care, so I don't know which one it is. "You have got teams like Canberra who haven't had a bye yet and then you have got teams who haven't left home in seven games in a row. It's ridiculous." Newcastle's loss followed an encouraging win over a Penrith side missing five players to NSW Origin duties a week earlier in Bathurst. O'Brien's men remain within touching distance of the top eight but they will need to go up a gear over the next month, where three of their four games are at home, if they are to make the finals. The Knights are hopeful of having Greg Marzhew back to face the Sea Eagles next week but Bradman Best and Jacob Saifiti remain a long way from fitness. "I think within the next month, we should get the majority of our personnel back on deck," O'Brien said. "You're always concerned a little bit, but you can't get caught up in (who is available). "We've got to get caught up in playing Manly at home next week and making sure that we get that right and fixing some of our discipline."
Yahoo
5 hours ago
- General
- Yahoo
'Atrocious': Kalyn Ponga disaster adds to calls for NRL competition to be suspended
Newcastle Knights coach Adam O'Brien has let rip at the NRL scheduling after withdrawing superstar fullback Kalyn Ponga from their 20-6 loss to the Dragons after playing State of Origin only two days ago. Ponga played 80 minutes for the Maroons on Wednesday night as they went down to NSW in a gruelling State of Origin Game 1. However, Ponga was keen to back-up for the struggling Knights who only managed their fourth win of the season last week against a depleted Penrith Panthers outfit who were also decimated due to Origin. Except O'Brien said he made the decision to withdraw the fullback from the game for his own good. The fullback has been battling an ankle injury and didn't train for the first few days during Queensland camp, but appears in no doubt for next Thursday's home game against Manly. But the Knights now sit in a perilous position in 14th with just four wins from 12 games. And O'Brien joined in on the chorus having slammed the NRL draw for handing Ponga the prospect of playing three games in 10 days. "In this battle we lost to the scheduling and the draw," O'Brien said in his post-match press conference. "Someone has got to play Friday … we get that but then they hit us next Thursday as well so it would have been three games in eight days (for Ponga). I always knew that once the draw came out we would cop the Friday after Origin, but it would have been good if someone said, give them the Saturday or the Sunday the following week. "But whoever does the draws either hasn't lived it or doesn't care, so I don't know which one it is. You have got teams like Canberra who haven't had a bye yet and then you have got teams who haven't left home in seven games in a row. It's ridiculous." O'Brien admitted Ponga was 'angry' at him with the fullback keen to back-up for his club after he wasn't able to lift his state to a win on Wednesday. 'He was doing everything he could and I took the decision away from him because it is the right thing to do,' O'Brien said. 'I know Val (Holmes) backed up, but he is a centre and Kalyn had a pretty rough 10 days up there while he was trying to get that ankle right and it is the type of injury that takes a few days to settle down. Two days is not enough. He is disappointed and angry with me but we have got to protect him." While O'Brien claimed it was the ill-discipline that cost his team in the 20-6 loss to the Dragons, fans were not buying it. The Knights last week defeated the Panthers 25-6 with the reigning champions missing five players to Origin. Only Ponga played Origin for the Knights and his absence doesn't paper over the cracks with the club once again failing to ignite in attack. While fans took aim at O'Brien for what appeared to be another excuse for his team's failings, others were sympathetic having claimed the NRL draw needs a revamp. Many agreed no club should be forced to decide whether a star player should back up from Origin only two days later. For the record: we think Mr O'Brien has a point BUT most clubs and superstar players have played in shorter turnarounds. So he should butt out. — The League Scene (@LeagueScenePod) May 30, 2025 If DCE plays this weekend then he will be playing 3 in 8 aswell. Val Holmes, storm and cowboys play next Friday so they are going to be 3 in 9 days. — Maj (@majdenno) May 30, 2025 I mean, he's not wrong, a 4 year old could come up with a better draw than we've seen this year. But blaming his teams performance on it after what we've seen all year? Yeah, nah. — For Bucks Sake (@for_bucks_sake) May 30, 2025 He's right but it doesn't change the outcome. Scheduling is actually atrocious and he has every right to call it out, knights weren't winning regardless tho — Freethug (@freejeffery01) May 30, 2025 Last year Cows didn't have their first bye until round 16. Every club had at least one, most had two by that stage. The NRL draw is one of the worst in professional sport. Your odds of success are hugely affected before round 1 kicks off. — MJ (@_m_j_1_1) May 30, 2025 However, O'Brien's gripe comes as calls have been growing for the NRL to hold a stand alone Origin period after last week's scenes. Last week, 15th-placed Dolphins came to Accor Stadium and put 44 points on the first-placed Dogs, who were missing 11 regular first-graders due to injury, suspension or State of Origin duty. The Bulldogs woes only added to calls for the NRL to suspend the competition during the representative period. The Roosters and Panthers were both missing My goodness, what a load of rubbish. Stop making excuses and acknowledge we weren't good enough. — NewyDaz (@DazMac42) May 30, 2025 five players each during round 12 and it is not a guarantee all of them will back-up for their clashes this weekend.
7NEWS
6 hours ago
- Sport
- 7NEWS
Newcastle Knights coach Adam O'Brien blasts ‘ridiculous' NRL draw after 20-6 loss to St George Illawarra
Adam O'Brien has hammered the NRL's draw as 'ridiculous', accusing the game's administrators of handicapping Newcastle after Knights captain Kalyn Ponga sat out his side's 20-6 loss to St George Illawarra. Ponga was part of the Queensland side who lost the State of Origin series opener on Wednesday but at O'Brien's insistence was put on ice for Friday's loss to the Dragons. The fullback has been carrying an ankle injury through the Maroons camp but is expected to play next Thursday's home game against Manly. O'Brien said he rested Ponga for his own good but claimed his side, who are sat 14th with just four wins from 12 games, had been given no favours by the NRL's draw. 'In this battle we lost to the scheduling and the draw,' O'Brien said. 'Someone has got to play Friday … we get that but then they hit us next Thursday as well so it would have been three games in eight days (for Ponga). 'I always knew that once the draw came out we would cop the Friday after Origin, but it would have been good if someone said, give them the Saturday or the Sunday the following week. 'But whoever does the draws either hasn't lived it or doesn't care, so I don't know which one it is. 'You have got teams like Canberra who haven't had a bye yet and then you have got teams who haven't left home in seven games in a row. It's ridiculous.' Newcastle's loss to the Dragons followed an encouraging win over Penrith a week earlier in Bathurst. O'Brien's men remain within touching distance of the top eight but they will need to go up a gear over the next month, where three of their four games are at home, if they are to make the finals. Newcastle are hopeful of having Greg Marzhew back to face Manly next week but Bradman Best and Jacob Saifiti remain a long way from fitness. 'I think within the next month, we should get the majority of our personnel back on deck,' O'Brien said. 'You're always concerned a little bit, but you can't get caught up in (who is available). 'We've got to get caught up in playing Manly at home next week and making sure that we get that right and fixing some of our discipline.'
The Advertiser
7 hours ago
- Sport
- The Advertiser
Knights blast 'ridiculous' NRL draw after Ponga absence
Adam O'Brien has hammered the NRL's draw as "ridiculous", accusing the game's administrators of handicapping Newcastle after Knights captain Kalyn Ponga sat out his side's 20-6 loss to St George Illawarra. Ponga was part of the Queensland side who lost the State of Origin series opener on Wednesday but at O'Brien's insistence was put on ice for Friday's loss to the Dragons. The fullback has been carrying an ankle injury through the Maroons camp but is expected to play next Thursday's home game against Manly. O'Brien said he rested Ponga for his own good but claimed his side, who are sat 14th with just four wins from 12 games, had been given no favours by the NRL's draw. "In this battle we lost to the scheduling and the draw," O'Brien said. "Someone has got to play Friday … we get that but then they hit us next Thursday as well so it would have been three games in eight days (for Ponga). "I always knew that once the draw came out we would cop the Friday after Origin, but it would have been good if someone said, give them the Saturday or the Sunday the following week. "But whoever does the draws either hasn't lived it or doesn't care, so I don't know which one it is. "You have got teams like Canberra who haven't had a bye yet and then you have got teams who haven't left home in seven games in a row. It's ridiculous." Newcastle's loss to the Dragons followed an encouraging win over Penrith a week earlier in Bathurst. O'Brien's men remain within touching distance of the top eight but they will need to go up a gear over the next month, where three of their four games are at home, if they are to make the finals. Newcastle are hopeful of having Greg Marzhew back to face Manly next week but Bradman Best and Jacob Saifiti remain a long way from fitness. "I think within the next month, we should get the majority of our personnel back on deck," O'Brien said. "You're always concerned a little bit, but you can't get caught up in (who is available). "We've got to get caught up in playing Manly at home next week and making sure that we get that right and fixing some of our discipline." Adam O'Brien has hammered the NRL's draw as "ridiculous", accusing the game's administrators of handicapping Newcastle after Knights captain Kalyn Ponga sat out his side's 20-6 loss to St George Illawarra. Ponga was part of the Queensland side who lost the State of Origin series opener on Wednesday but at O'Brien's insistence was put on ice for Friday's loss to the Dragons. The fullback has been carrying an ankle injury through the Maroons camp but is expected to play next Thursday's home game against Manly. O'Brien said he rested Ponga for his own good but claimed his side, who are sat 14th with just four wins from 12 games, had been given no favours by the NRL's draw. "In this battle we lost to the scheduling and the draw," O'Brien said. "Someone has got to play Friday … we get that but then they hit us next Thursday as well so it would have been three games in eight days (for Ponga). "I always knew that once the draw came out we would cop the Friday after Origin, but it would have been good if someone said, give them the Saturday or the Sunday the following week. "But whoever does the draws either hasn't lived it or doesn't care, so I don't know which one it is. "You have got teams like Canberra who haven't had a bye yet and then you have got teams who haven't left home in seven games in a row. It's ridiculous." Newcastle's loss to the Dragons followed an encouraging win over Penrith a week earlier in Bathurst. O'Brien's men remain within touching distance of the top eight but they will need to go up a gear over the next month, where three of their four games are at home, if they are to make the finals. Newcastle are hopeful of having Greg Marzhew back to face Manly next week but Bradman Best and Jacob Saifiti remain a long way from fitness. "I think within the next month, we should get the majority of our personnel back on deck," O'Brien said. "You're always concerned a little bit, but you can't get caught up in (who is available). "We've got to get caught up in playing Manly at home next week and making sure that we get that right and fixing some of our discipline." Adam O'Brien has hammered the NRL's draw as "ridiculous", accusing the game's administrators of handicapping Newcastle after Knights captain Kalyn Ponga sat out his side's 20-6 loss to St George Illawarra. Ponga was part of the Queensland side who lost the State of Origin series opener on Wednesday but at O'Brien's insistence was put on ice for Friday's loss to the Dragons. The fullback has been carrying an ankle injury through the Maroons camp but is expected to play next Thursday's home game against Manly. O'Brien said he rested Ponga for his own good but claimed his side, who are sat 14th with just four wins from 12 games, had been given no favours by the NRL's draw. "In this battle we lost to the scheduling and the draw," O'Brien said. "Someone has got to play Friday … we get that but then they hit us next Thursday as well so it would have been three games in eight days (for Ponga). "I always knew that once the draw came out we would cop the Friday after Origin, but it would have been good if someone said, give them the Saturday or the Sunday the following week. "But whoever does the draws either hasn't lived it or doesn't care, so I don't know which one it is. "You have got teams like Canberra who haven't had a bye yet and then you have got teams who haven't left home in seven games in a row. It's ridiculous." Newcastle's loss to the Dragons followed an encouraging win over Penrith a week earlier in Bathurst. O'Brien's men remain within touching distance of the top eight but they will need to go up a gear over the next month, where three of their four games are at home, if they are to make the finals. Newcastle are hopeful of having Greg Marzhew back to face Manly next week but Bradman Best and Jacob Saifiti remain a long way from fitness. "I think within the next month, we should get the majority of our personnel back on deck," O'Brien said. "You're always concerned a little bit, but you can't get caught up in (who is available). "We've got to get caught up in playing Manly at home next week and making sure that we get that right and fixing some of our discipline."
