Latest news with #Ponga
Yahoo
a day ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Door ajar for Reece Walsh as Kalyn Ponga could be banned from entire Origin series
Kalyn Ponga has reportedly been spotted meeting with International Rugby League boss Troy Grant in a move that could spell the end of his State of Origin career. Ponga scored the match-winning try in golden-point against Manly on Thursday night, and probably did enough to retain his spot for the Maroons in Origin 2. The fullback had 19 runs for 191 metres, five tackle breaks and the winning try as Newcastle came back to beat the Sea Eagles 26-22. And while he may have done enough to retain his spot in Game 2, his future in State of Origin has been thrown into massive doubt. is reporting that Ponga has recently seen in a meeting with IRL boss Grant, in what was most likely a discussion about switching his international allegiances from Australia to New Zealand. Ponga has always been bound to play for Australia at international level because represented the Aussie team at the Rugby League World Cup 9s event in 2019. However he's never played a Test match for the Kangaroos, and has constantly avoided making a call that would rule him out of playing for NZ. It's believed Ponga hasn't wanted to turn his back on the possibility of playing for the Kiwis one day because of his Maori heritage. The IRL recently changed the rules and allowed AJ Brimson to switch allegiances from Australia to England. Brimson had been bound by the same situation that Ponga was in that he too played for Australia at the World Cup 9s event in 2019. But the IRL - headed by Grant - recently approved Brimson's application to represent England and declared the World Cup 9s event was no longer a relevant factor. The IRL said because the 9s event has effectively been discontinued, it doesn't hold any standing anymore and was "unfairly" blocking players from featuring at Test level. 'At the time, the 9s World Cup was part of IRL's calendar planning and it was intended to be held every four years,' a statement from the IRL read. 'However, the tournament has effectively been discontinued and is not part of IRL's medium term planning. 'Therefore, the tribunal felt that players who had played in the 2019 World Cup 9s were being unfairly restricted as they elected for their country based on a different set of circumstances to players who elect for a country through a 13-a-side match.' The rule change effectively opens the door for Ponga to play for New Zealand if he so wishes. And the fact he was recently spotted meeting with Grant has fuelled the rumour mill that he wants to play for the Kiwis. But a switch in international allegiances would bring an end to Ponga's Origin career. Because New Zealand are a Tier 1 nation, anyone who represents the Kiwis isn't allowed to play State of Origin. It's the same for Brimson, who has ultimately ended his Origin career with Queensland by defecting to England. RELATED: Cameron Smith's truth bomb for Billy Slater after 'weak' accusation Kevin Walters calls out Broncos amid sad Adam Reynolds situation Ponga is likely to see out this year's Origin series for the Maroons, but a switch to represent New Zealand next season would mean Billy Slater will have to find a new fullback for Queensland. It opens the door for Reece Walsh to reclaim the spot he lost this year, while Slater also has the option of using Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow in the No.1 jersey.
7NEWS
a day ago
- Sport
- 7NEWS
Fans turn on Knights before biggest comeback victory in 18 years
Newcastle have gone from booed off at half-time to pulling off their biggest comeback victory in 18 years, after claiming a 26-22 golden-point win over Manly. Booed by their own fans after their seventh scoreless first half of the season, the Knights came back to life after falling 16-0 down at McDonald Jones Stadium. Dane Gagai turned back the clock, Fletcher Sharpe and Kai Pearce Paul were immense and Kalyn Ponga claimed the match-winner early in extra time. The hosts' revival came despite Newcastle having the worst attack in the competition, and showing no signs of turning that around in the opening 40 minutes. Knights great Andrew Johns labelled it 'hard to watch' in commentary, as Newcastle coughed up error after error and looked out of the contest. But the match swung dramatically early in the second half, as the Knights began to shift the ball more and caught Manly out on their makeshift edges. With Lehi Hopoate concussed early and Tommy Talau also spending time off for a HIA, Newcastle got at a Sea Eagles side that had second-rowers Ben Trbojevic and Corey Waddell in the centres. The home side went from 16-0 down to 16-16 in the space of 18 second-half minutes, with two of the tries coming from long distance and another a Jack Cogger bomb. Manly appeared to have control of the game back when Clayton Faulalo burst through the middle of the field and fellow winger Tommy Talau crossed next play. But Newcastle levelled the scores with five minutes to play when Pearce Paul found space on the right edge and Sharpe had his second. Ponga then had the match winner in the Knights' first set of golden point when he put up a bomb, Fletcher Hunt batted it back and the Knights No.1 followed the play to score. The win will at least alleviate pressure on under-fire coach Adam O'Brien, after his side had dropped eight of their past 10 games. Manly had earlier looked like they were going to cruise home in the first half, with their forwards dominating and makeshift fullback Tolu Koula causing havoc. Haumole Olakau'atu was again powerful in the first half, brushing off three defenders to score one try on the play after Koula had beaten five. Toff Sipley also scored through the middle after Koula had Manly's first, with Newcastle's forward pack weakened by a concussion to Tyson Frizell. But after the second-half collapse, the Sea Eagles' halves missed a chance to win the match in the final minute of regulation time. With Daly Cherry-Evans set up for the field-goal shot, Newcastle's kick pressure prompted him to pass off to Luke Brooks who sent his effort wide from 40 metres out. A Cherry-Evans field goal would have been something of a statement, with questions still surrounding his spot in Queensland's team for State of Origin II. But instead it was kick pressure from Ponga on Brooks that proved the difference, before the Knights star's winning play.
Perth Now
a day ago
- Sport
- Perth Now
Booed off at halftime, Knights claim shock win
Newcastle have gone from booed off at halftime to pulling off their biggest comeback victory in 18 years, after claiming a 26-22 golden-point win over Manly. Booed by their own fans after their seventh scoreless first half of the season, the Knights came back to life after falling 16-0 down at McDonald Jones Stadium. Dane Gagai turned back the clock, Fletcher Sharpe and Kai Pearce Paul were immense and Kalyn Ponga claimed the match-winner early in extra time. The hosts' revival came despite Newcastle having the worst attack in the competition, and showing no signs of turning that around in the opening 40 minutes. Knights great Andrew Johns labelled it "hard to watch" in the Nine Network's commentary, as Newcastle coughed up error after error and looked out of the contest. But the match swung dramatically early in the second half, as the Knights began to shift the ball more and caught Manly out on their makeshift edges. With Lehi Hopoate concussed early and Tommy Talau also spending time off for a HIA, Newcastle got at a Sea Eagles side that had second-rowers Ben Trbojevic and Corey Waddell in the centres. The home side went from 16-0 down to 16-16 in the space of 18 second-half minutes, with two of the tries coming from long distance and another a Jack Cogger bomb. Manly appeared to have control of the game back when Clayton Faulalo burst through the middle of the field and fellow winger Tommy Talau crossed next play. But Newcastle levelled the scores with five minutes to play when Pearce Paul found space on the right edge and Sharpe had his second. Ponga then had the match winner in the Knights' first set of golden point when he put up a bomb, Fletcher Hunt batted it back and the Knights No.1 followed the play to score. The win will at least alleviate pressure on under-fire coach Adam O'Brien, after his side had dropped eight of their past 10 games. Manly had earlier looked like they were going to cruise home in the first half, with their forwards dominating and makeshift fullback Tolu Koula causing havoc. Haumole Olakau'atu was again powerful in the first half, brushing off three defenders to score one try on the play after Koula had beaten five. Toff Sipley also scored through the middle after Koula had Manly's first, with Newcastle's forward pack weakened by a concussion to Tyson Frizell. But after the second-half collapse, the Sea Eagles' halves missed a chance to win the match in the final minute of regulation time. With Daly Cherry-Evans set up for the field-goal shot, Newcastle's kick pressure prompted him to pass off to Luke Brooks who sent his effort wide from 40 metres out. A Cherry-Evans field goal would have been something of a statement, with questions still surrounding his spot in Queensland's team for State of Origin II. But instead it was kick pressure from Ponga on Brooks that proved the difference, before the Knights star's winning play.
The Advertiser
3 days ago
- Business
- The Advertiser
'Not the best fullback': Knights legend criticises Ponga, but coach defends his star
Knights legend Robbie O'Davis has called for Queensland to bench Kalyn Ponga for Origin II and criticised the Newcastle skipper's club form, labelling him "not the best fullback". O'Davis' comments on a fan podcast come as another ex-Knight tossed up Boyd Cordner as a potential replacement for Knights coach Adam O'Brien should he be sacked. Ponga, who has missed Newcastle's past two games due to Origin and injury, is yet to score a try in 10 NRL games this season and struggled to make an impact in Queensland's 18-6 loss to NSW last week. A two-time premiership winner with the Knights and former Queensland fullback, O'Davis said Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, who played centre in Origin I, could be a better option for the Maroons. "I'd put an in-form player like Hammer back at fullback," O'Davis said, speaking on The Knighted podcast. "KP is going to end up being the best player we've ever seen, the way he moves laterally ... He moves forward and laterally at the same speed, and no one has ever seen that before ... He is just a freakish talent. "[But] he has never been taught, I think, to play fullback. "He stands 60 yards back on play one ... He runs out of the defensive line on plays four and five to try and make a tackle on the kicker when he is supposed to be back there catching it. "Just little stuff like that. He jumps with the wrong knee in the air ... He is a bloody good player, but he is just not the best fullback. "There are a lot better fullbacks than him." O'Davis, who was part of Newcastle's 1997 and 2001 premierships, and played 223 games for the club and 12 Origins for Queensland, said he felt Ponga was too involved in Newcastle's play-making, rather than operating like a traditional fullback. But he acknowledged Newcastle's injury toll this season, particularly the loss of centre Bradman Best. "He is getting in the habit of getting in front of his halves at club level," the 52-year-old, who also played eight Tests for Australia, said of Ponga. "It's something he does very well at times, he plays our halves out of form a lot of the time ... [but] someone has got to get in his ear and say, 'Kalyn, you're such a good runner, you're the best ball-break runner in the game' ... [but] we're missing Bradman a bit I think ... KP can show him the ball a few times and then make the decision of whether he gives it to him. "Having Kalyn come off the bench [in Origin], he could run out of dummy-half and tear a side apart." Ponga, who is now in his 10th season of first grade, may be yet to cross the try-line in a struggling Knights side, but he is averaging 161 run-metres per game and has notched six try-assists in 2025. Asked about his marquee player's form on Wednesday, Knights coach Adam O'Brien said Ponga was a "product" of Newcastle's collective battles this season. "It's unrealistic and unfair to put a heap of pressure on Kalyn when we've had the amount of injuries and suspensions, and lack of go-forward and lack of experience," O'Brien said. "He is a product of having to go through that. "And I think he is not on his own, there's some other guys there ... you can see [in] the games ... when we've had that on deck, we've played quite well and there hasn't been as much noise. "The moment they're absent, people seem to forget that they're absent and then all the pressure comes back on Kalyn." O'Brien confirmed Ponga would start against Manly at McDonald Jones Stadium on Thursday night but had struggled with an ankle problem. He has also dealt with a rib issue. He said the skipper, 27, felt the weight of expectation and was desperate to try to turn Newcastle's season around. "He realises the position as much as anyone else that we're in, and he understands the importance of getting out there and fighting hard together," O'Brien said. "He is excited to get out there and help." Newcastle are third last, or 15th, ahead of hosting seventh-placed Manly, who are coming off a 34-6 win over Brisbane last week. Much like recent seasons when Newcastle's form and ladder position has dipped, O'Brien's future has come into the spotlight this year, and on Wednesday the club's former recruitment officer - and player - Alex McKinnon suggested if the coach was moved on, the club should look at former Roosters, NSW and Australian skipper Boyd Cordner. "Let me be very clear, I don't think Newcastle should part ways with Adam O'Brien, I've been one of his biggest supporters from day one," McKinnon wrote in his semi-regular Fox Sports column. "But the NRL is becoming an increasingly fickle business and as they say, it's a lot easier to sack the coach than half the players. "So if the Knights do call it a day on Adam's six-year tenure, I have the perfect replacement - albeit a little left field. "I think the three things Newcastle needs when it comes to hiring a coach are a big name, a proven winner and if possible somebody from the area." McKinnon stopped short of suggesting club legends Andrew and Matthew Johns, but said Cordner was developing into an elite coach in his lower-grade role at the Roosters and an assistant for the Blues. "To coach the Knights you need a presence and Boyd certainly has that. He's hugely respected in Newcastle where he's still got plenty of family and friends. "He won premierships, Origin series, World Cups; everywhere Boyd went, he won. "With the greatest of respect to Josh Hannay or Matt King or Ben Gardner, who appear to be next in line for a NRL head coach role, Knights supporters need a name they can really identify with and throw their support behind." With Newcastle potentially just a loss away from falling to dead last, O'Brien, who is in his sixth season at the Knights, said the spotlight and pressure was part and parcel of the game. "There's always pressure. I'm no different to the players," O'Brien said. "We hear all the outside noise. "But like I said to the playing group, how we behave, how we act and how we look after each other in this period, it absolutely includes me. "I can't worry about it. I've just got to focus to do my part to help them get out of this. "We're all in it together." Knights legend Robbie O'Davis has called for Queensland to bench Kalyn Ponga for Origin II and criticised the Newcastle skipper's club form, labelling him "not the best fullback". O'Davis' comments on a fan podcast come as another ex-Knight tossed up Boyd Cordner as a potential replacement for Knights coach Adam O'Brien should he be sacked. Ponga, who has missed Newcastle's past two games due to Origin and injury, is yet to score a try in 10 NRL games this season and struggled to make an impact in Queensland's 18-6 loss to NSW last week. A two-time premiership winner with the Knights and former Queensland fullback, O'Davis said Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, who played centre in Origin I, could be a better option for the Maroons. "I'd put an in-form player like Hammer back at fullback," O'Davis said, speaking on The Knighted podcast. "KP is going to end up being the best player we've ever seen, the way he moves laterally ... He moves forward and laterally at the same speed, and no one has ever seen that before ... He is just a freakish talent. "[But] he has never been taught, I think, to play fullback. "He stands 60 yards back on play one ... He runs out of the defensive line on plays four and five to try and make a tackle on the kicker when he is supposed to be back there catching it. "Just little stuff like that. He jumps with the wrong knee in the air ... He is a bloody good player, but he is just not the best fullback. "There are a lot better fullbacks than him." O'Davis, who was part of Newcastle's 1997 and 2001 premierships, and played 223 games for the club and 12 Origins for Queensland, said he felt Ponga was too involved in Newcastle's play-making, rather than operating like a traditional fullback. But he acknowledged Newcastle's injury toll this season, particularly the loss of centre Bradman Best. "He is getting in the habit of getting in front of his halves at club level," the 52-year-old, who also played eight Tests for Australia, said of Ponga. "It's something he does very well at times, he plays our halves out of form a lot of the time ... [but] someone has got to get in his ear and say, 'Kalyn, you're such a good runner, you're the best ball-break runner in the game' ... [but] we're missing Bradman a bit I think ... KP can show him the ball a few times and then make the decision of whether he gives it to him. "Having Kalyn come off the bench [in Origin], he could run out of dummy-half and tear a side apart." Ponga, who is now in his 10th season of first grade, may be yet to cross the try-line in a struggling Knights side, but he is averaging 161 run-metres per game and has notched six try-assists in 2025. Asked about his marquee player's form on Wednesday, Knights coach Adam O'Brien said Ponga was a "product" of Newcastle's collective battles this season. "It's unrealistic and unfair to put a heap of pressure on Kalyn when we've had the amount of injuries and suspensions, and lack of go-forward and lack of experience," O'Brien said. "He is a product of having to go through that. "And I think he is not on his own, there's some other guys there ... you can see [in] the games ... when we've had that on deck, we've played quite well and there hasn't been as much noise. "The moment they're absent, people seem to forget that they're absent and then all the pressure comes back on Kalyn." O'Brien confirmed Ponga would start against Manly at McDonald Jones Stadium on Thursday night but had struggled with an ankle problem. He has also dealt with a rib issue. He said the skipper, 27, felt the weight of expectation and was desperate to try to turn Newcastle's season around. "He realises the position as much as anyone else that we're in, and he understands the importance of getting out there and fighting hard together," O'Brien said. "He is excited to get out there and help." Newcastle are third last, or 15th, ahead of hosting seventh-placed Manly, who are coming off a 34-6 win over Brisbane last week. Much like recent seasons when Newcastle's form and ladder position has dipped, O'Brien's future has come into the spotlight this year, and on Wednesday the club's former recruitment officer - and player - Alex McKinnon suggested if the coach was moved on, the club should look at former Roosters, NSW and Australian skipper Boyd Cordner. "Let me be very clear, I don't think Newcastle should part ways with Adam O'Brien, I've been one of his biggest supporters from day one," McKinnon wrote in his semi-regular Fox Sports column. "But the NRL is becoming an increasingly fickle business and as they say, it's a lot easier to sack the coach than half the players. "So if the Knights do call it a day on Adam's six-year tenure, I have the perfect replacement - albeit a little left field. "I think the three things Newcastle needs when it comes to hiring a coach are a big name, a proven winner and if possible somebody from the area." McKinnon stopped short of suggesting club legends Andrew and Matthew Johns, but said Cordner was developing into an elite coach in his lower-grade role at the Roosters and an assistant for the Blues. "To coach the Knights you need a presence and Boyd certainly has that. He's hugely respected in Newcastle where he's still got plenty of family and friends. "He won premierships, Origin series, World Cups; everywhere Boyd went, he won. "With the greatest of respect to Josh Hannay or Matt King or Ben Gardner, who appear to be next in line for a NRL head coach role, Knights supporters need a name they can really identify with and throw their support behind." With Newcastle potentially just a loss away from falling to dead last, O'Brien, who is in his sixth season at the Knights, said the spotlight and pressure was part and parcel of the game. "There's always pressure. I'm no different to the players," O'Brien said. "We hear all the outside noise. "But like I said to the playing group, how we behave, how we act and how we look after each other in this period, it absolutely includes me. "I can't worry about it. I've just got to focus to do my part to help them get out of this. "We're all in it together." Knights legend Robbie O'Davis has called for Queensland to bench Kalyn Ponga for Origin II and criticised the Newcastle skipper's club form, labelling him "not the best fullback". O'Davis' comments on a fan podcast come as another ex-Knight tossed up Boyd Cordner as a potential replacement for Knights coach Adam O'Brien should he be sacked. Ponga, who has missed Newcastle's past two games due to Origin and injury, is yet to score a try in 10 NRL games this season and struggled to make an impact in Queensland's 18-6 loss to NSW last week. A two-time premiership winner with the Knights and former Queensland fullback, O'Davis said Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, who played centre in Origin I, could be a better option for the Maroons. "I'd put an in-form player like Hammer back at fullback," O'Davis said, speaking on The Knighted podcast. "KP is going to end up being the best player we've ever seen, the way he moves laterally ... He moves forward and laterally at the same speed, and no one has ever seen that before ... He is just a freakish talent. "[But] he has never been taught, I think, to play fullback. "He stands 60 yards back on play one ... He runs out of the defensive line on plays four and five to try and make a tackle on the kicker when he is supposed to be back there catching it. "Just little stuff like that. He jumps with the wrong knee in the air ... He is a bloody good player, but he is just not the best fullback. "There are a lot better fullbacks than him." O'Davis, who was part of Newcastle's 1997 and 2001 premierships, and played 223 games for the club and 12 Origins for Queensland, said he felt Ponga was too involved in Newcastle's play-making, rather than operating like a traditional fullback. But he acknowledged Newcastle's injury toll this season, particularly the loss of centre Bradman Best. "He is getting in the habit of getting in front of his halves at club level," the 52-year-old, who also played eight Tests for Australia, said of Ponga. "It's something he does very well at times, he plays our halves out of form a lot of the time ... [but] someone has got to get in his ear and say, 'Kalyn, you're such a good runner, you're the best ball-break runner in the game' ... [but] we're missing Bradman a bit I think ... KP can show him the ball a few times and then make the decision of whether he gives it to him. "Having Kalyn come off the bench [in Origin], he could run out of dummy-half and tear a side apart." Ponga, who is now in his 10th season of first grade, may be yet to cross the try-line in a struggling Knights side, but he is averaging 161 run-metres per game and has notched six try-assists in 2025. Asked about his marquee player's form on Wednesday, Knights coach Adam O'Brien said Ponga was a "product" of Newcastle's collective battles this season. "It's unrealistic and unfair to put a heap of pressure on Kalyn when we've had the amount of injuries and suspensions, and lack of go-forward and lack of experience," O'Brien said. "He is a product of having to go through that. "And I think he is not on his own, there's some other guys there ... you can see [in] the games ... when we've had that on deck, we've played quite well and there hasn't been as much noise. "The moment they're absent, people seem to forget that they're absent and then all the pressure comes back on Kalyn." O'Brien confirmed Ponga would start against Manly at McDonald Jones Stadium on Thursday night but had struggled with an ankle problem. He has also dealt with a rib issue. He said the skipper, 27, felt the weight of expectation and was desperate to try to turn Newcastle's season around. "He realises the position as much as anyone else that we're in, and he understands the importance of getting out there and fighting hard together," O'Brien said. "He is excited to get out there and help." Newcastle are third last, or 15th, ahead of hosting seventh-placed Manly, who are coming off a 34-6 win over Brisbane last week. Much like recent seasons when Newcastle's form and ladder position has dipped, O'Brien's future has come into the spotlight this year, and on Wednesday the club's former recruitment officer - and player - Alex McKinnon suggested if the coach was moved on, the club should look at former Roosters, NSW and Australian skipper Boyd Cordner. "Let me be very clear, I don't think Newcastle should part ways with Adam O'Brien, I've been one of his biggest supporters from day one," McKinnon wrote in his semi-regular Fox Sports column. "But the NRL is becoming an increasingly fickle business and as they say, it's a lot easier to sack the coach than half the players. "So if the Knights do call it a day on Adam's six-year tenure, I have the perfect replacement - albeit a little left field. "I think the three things Newcastle needs when it comes to hiring a coach are a big name, a proven winner and if possible somebody from the area." McKinnon stopped short of suggesting club legends Andrew and Matthew Johns, but said Cordner was developing into an elite coach in his lower-grade role at the Roosters and an assistant for the Blues. "To coach the Knights you need a presence and Boyd certainly has that. He's hugely respected in Newcastle where he's still got plenty of family and friends. "He won premierships, Origin series, World Cups; everywhere Boyd went, he won. "With the greatest of respect to Josh Hannay or Matt King or Ben Gardner, who appear to be next in line for a NRL head coach role, Knights supporters need a name they can really identify with and throw their support behind." With Newcastle potentially just a loss away from falling to dead last, O'Brien, who is in his sixth season at the Knights, said the spotlight and pressure was part and parcel of the game. "There's always pressure. I'm no different to the players," O'Brien said. "We hear all the outside noise. "But like I said to the playing group, how we behave, how we act and how we look after each other in this period, it absolutely includes me. "I can't worry about it. I've just got to focus to do my part to help them get out of this. "We're all in it together." Knights legend Robbie O'Davis has called for Queensland to bench Kalyn Ponga for Origin II and criticised the Newcastle skipper's club form, labelling him "not the best fullback". O'Davis' comments on a fan podcast come as another ex-Knight tossed up Boyd Cordner as a potential replacement for Knights coach Adam O'Brien should he be sacked. Ponga, who has missed Newcastle's past two games due to Origin and injury, is yet to score a try in 10 NRL games this season and struggled to make an impact in Queensland's 18-6 loss to NSW last week. A two-time premiership winner with the Knights and former Queensland fullback, O'Davis said Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, who played centre in Origin I, could be a better option for the Maroons. "I'd put an in-form player like Hammer back at fullback," O'Davis said, speaking on The Knighted podcast. "KP is going to end up being the best player we've ever seen, the way he moves laterally ... He moves forward and laterally at the same speed, and no one has ever seen that before ... He is just a freakish talent. "[But] he has never been taught, I think, to play fullback. "He stands 60 yards back on play one ... He runs out of the defensive line on plays four and five to try and make a tackle on the kicker when he is supposed to be back there catching it. "Just little stuff like that. He jumps with the wrong knee in the air ... He is a bloody good player, but he is just not the best fullback. "There are a lot better fullbacks than him." O'Davis, who was part of Newcastle's 1997 and 2001 premierships, and played 223 games for the club and 12 Origins for Queensland, said he felt Ponga was too involved in Newcastle's play-making, rather than operating like a traditional fullback. But he acknowledged Newcastle's injury toll this season, particularly the loss of centre Bradman Best. "He is getting in the habit of getting in front of his halves at club level," the 52-year-old, who also played eight Tests for Australia, said of Ponga. "It's something he does very well at times, he plays our halves out of form a lot of the time ... [but] someone has got to get in his ear and say, 'Kalyn, you're such a good runner, you're the best ball-break runner in the game' ... [but] we're missing Bradman a bit I think ... KP can show him the ball a few times and then make the decision of whether he gives it to him. "Having Kalyn come off the bench [in Origin], he could run out of dummy-half and tear a side apart." Ponga, who is now in his 10th season of first grade, may be yet to cross the try-line in a struggling Knights side, but he is averaging 161 run-metres per game and has notched six try-assists in 2025. Asked about his marquee player's form on Wednesday, Knights coach Adam O'Brien said Ponga was a "product" of Newcastle's collective battles this season. "It's unrealistic and unfair to put a heap of pressure on Kalyn when we've had the amount of injuries and suspensions, and lack of go-forward and lack of experience," O'Brien said. "He is a product of having to go through that. "And I think he is not on his own, there's some other guys there ... you can see [in] the games ... when we've had that on deck, we've played quite well and there hasn't been as much noise. "The moment they're absent, people seem to forget that they're absent and then all the pressure comes back on Kalyn." O'Brien confirmed Ponga would start against Manly at McDonald Jones Stadium on Thursday night but had struggled with an ankle problem. He has also dealt with a rib issue. He said the skipper, 27, felt the weight of expectation and was desperate to try to turn Newcastle's season around. "He realises the position as much as anyone else that we're in, and he understands the importance of getting out there and fighting hard together," O'Brien said. "He is excited to get out there and help." Newcastle are third last, or 15th, ahead of hosting seventh-placed Manly, who are coming off a 34-6 win over Brisbane last week. Much like recent seasons when Newcastle's form and ladder position has dipped, O'Brien's future has come into the spotlight this year, and on Wednesday the club's former recruitment officer - and player - Alex McKinnon suggested if the coach was moved on, the club should look at former Roosters, NSW and Australian skipper Boyd Cordner. "Let me be very clear, I don't think Newcastle should part ways with Adam O'Brien, I've been one of his biggest supporters from day one," McKinnon wrote in his semi-regular Fox Sports column. "But the NRL is becoming an increasingly fickle business and as they say, it's a lot easier to sack the coach than half the players. "So if the Knights do call it a day on Adam's six-year tenure, I have the perfect replacement - albeit a little left field. "I think the three things Newcastle needs when it comes to hiring a coach are a big name, a proven winner and if possible somebody from the area." McKinnon stopped short of suggesting club legends Andrew and Matthew Johns, but said Cordner was developing into an elite coach in his lower-grade role at the Roosters and an assistant for the Blues. "To coach the Knights you need a presence and Boyd certainly has that. He's hugely respected in Newcastle where he's still got plenty of family and friends. "He won premierships, Origin series, World Cups; everywhere Boyd went, he won. "With the greatest of respect to Josh Hannay or Matt King or Ben Gardner, who appear to be next in line for a NRL head coach role, Knights supporters need a name they can really identify with and throw their support behind." With Newcastle potentially just a loss away from falling to dead last, O'Brien, who is in his sixth season at the Knights, said the spotlight and pressure was part and parcel of the game. "There's always pressure. I'm no different to the players," O'Brien said. "We hear all the outside noise. "But like I said to the playing group, how we behave, how we act and how we look after each other in this period, it absolutely includes me. "I can't worry about it. I've just got to focus to do my part to help them get out of this. "We're all in it together."
The Advertiser
7 days 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."
