Latest news with #Knights
The Advertiser
6 hours ago
- Sport
- The Advertiser
Walsh's huge nod after Ponga blow opens Origin door
Reece Walsh has the endorsement of the enemy for a State of Origin recall after incumbent Queensland fullback Kalyn Ponga was scratched ahead of the series decider. Newcastle confirmed on Saturday the Knights star had suffered a lisfranc injury in Friday's loss to Canberra that will keep him sidelined until late in the regular season. Ponga's injury potentially opens the door for Walsh to return to the Queensland No.1 jersey, after his own return to form for Brisbane. The Maroons' other option would be to shift Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow to fullback, after the Dolphins No.1 played centre and wing in the first two games. Back-up centre Jack Howarth is out with appendicitis and Selwyn Cobbo has been dropped by Brisbane. But Cowboys winger Murray Taulagi could be recalled after Billy Slater overlooked him for the opening two games. Ponga's injury is a serious blow to the Maroons, given their game-two win in Perth had offered Slater the prospect of keeping the team intact for the Sydney decider. But five-time Maroon Walsh has made his case, again impressive in a third-straight Brisbane win later on Saturday as he continues to defy soreness in a heavily-strapped knee. "I'm a Blue next Wednesday but I'd love to see him in that arena; he belongs in that arena," Broncos captain and former Blues half Adam Reynolds said. "It certainly would give the Blues a few headaches and things to think about." Reynolds has long urged the 22-year-old to play with more patience, something he admits is a fragile work in progress. "It's sort of like my kids at times with him and Ez (Mam) out there; you've got to tell them a couple of times throughout the game," Reynolds said. "But he brings a lot of x-factor to the team and you don't want to completely shut him off from that. "You bite your tongue from time to time, but when things get a bit out of control you try and rope it in and get back to the game plan. "I certainly love what he brings, and his energy all the boys feed off that." Ponga limped from the field during the second half of the Knights' 22-18 loss, with the injury suffered on the opposite foot to the one he suffered lisfranc damage to last year. On that occasion, he missed seven games for the Knights. A similar timeframe would mean Ponga does not return until the eve of the NRL finals this year. Despite being one of the best fullbacks in the competition, Ponga has been restricted to eight games starting for the Maroons since first wearing the No.1 in 2019. Newcastle said in a statement on Saturday that Ponga would begin rehabilitation, "with the view to returning to play in the back end of the season". Reece Walsh has the endorsement of the enemy for a State of Origin recall after incumbent Queensland fullback Kalyn Ponga was scratched ahead of the series decider. Newcastle confirmed on Saturday the Knights star had suffered a lisfranc injury in Friday's loss to Canberra that will keep him sidelined until late in the regular season. Ponga's injury potentially opens the door for Walsh to return to the Queensland No.1 jersey, after his own return to form for Brisbane. The Maroons' other option would be to shift Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow to fullback, after the Dolphins No.1 played centre and wing in the first two games. Back-up centre Jack Howarth is out with appendicitis and Selwyn Cobbo has been dropped by Brisbane. But Cowboys winger Murray Taulagi could be recalled after Billy Slater overlooked him for the opening two games. Ponga's injury is a serious blow to the Maroons, given their game-two win in Perth had offered Slater the prospect of keeping the team intact for the Sydney decider. But five-time Maroon Walsh has made his case, again impressive in a third-straight Brisbane win later on Saturday as he continues to defy soreness in a heavily-strapped knee. "I'm a Blue next Wednesday but I'd love to see him in that arena; he belongs in that arena," Broncos captain and former Blues half Adam Reynolds said. "It certainly would give the Blues a few headaches and things to think about." Reynolds has long urged the 22-year-old to play with more patience, something he admits is a fragile work in progress. "It's sort of like my kids at times with him and Ez (Mam) out there; you've got to tell them a couple of times throughout the game," Reynolds said. "But he brings a lot of x-factor to the team and you don't want to completely shut him off from that. "You bite your tongue from time to time, but when things get a bit out of control you try and rope it in and get back to the game plan. "I certainly love what he brings, and his energy all the boys feed off that." Ponga limped from the field during the second half of the Knights' 22-18 loss, with the injury suffered on the opposite foot to the one he suffered lisfranc damage to last year. On that occasion, he missed seven games for the Knights. A similar timeframe would mean Ponga does not return until the eve of the NRL finals this year. Despite being one of the best fullbacks in the competition, Ponga has been restricted to eight games starting for the Maroons since first wearing the No.1 in 2019. Newcastle said in a statement on Saturday that Ponga would begin rehabilitation, "with the view to returning to play in the back end of the season". Reece Walsh has the endorsement of the enemy for a State of Origin recall after incumbent Queensland fullback Kalyn Ponga was scratched ahead of the series decider. Newcastle confirmed on Saturday the Knights star had suffered a lisfranc injury in Friday's loss to Canberra that will keep him sidelined until late in the regular season. Ponga's injury potentially opens the door for Walsh to return to the Queensland No.1 jersey, after his own return to form for Brisbane. The Maroons' other option would be to shift Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow to fullback, after the Dolphins No.1 played centre and wing in the first two games. Back-up centre Jack Howarth is out with appendicitis and Selwyn Cobbo has been dropped by Brisbane. But Cowboys winger Murray Taulagi could be recalled after Billy Slater overlooked him for the opening two games. Ponga's injury is a serious blow to the Maroons, given their game-two win in Perth had offered Slater the prospect of keeping the team intact for the Sydney decider. But five-time Maroon Walsh has made his case, again impressive in a third-straight Brisbane win later on Saturday as he continues to defy soreness in a heavily-strapped knee. "I'm a Blue next Wednesday but I'd love to see him in that arena; he belongs in that arena," Broncos captain and former Blues half Adam Reynolds said. "It certainly would give the Blues a few headaches and things to think about." Reynolds has long urged the 22-year-old to play with more patience, something he admits is a fragile work in progress. "It's sort of like my kids at times with him and Ez (Mam) out there; you've got to tell them a couple of times throughout the game," Reynolds said. "But he brings a lot of x-factor to the team and you don't want to completely shut him off from that. "You bite your tongue from time to time, but when things get a bit out of control you try and rope it in and get back to the game plan. "I certainly love what he brings, and his energy all the boys feed off that." Ponga limped from the field during the second half of the Knights' 22-18 loss, with the injury suffered on the opposite foot to the one he suffered lisfranc damage to last year. On that occasion, he missed seven games for the Knights. A similar timeframe would mean Ponga does not return until the eve of the NRL finals this year. Despite being one of the best fullbacks in the competition, Ponga has been restricted to eight games starting for the Maroons since first wearing the No.1 in 2019. Newcastle said in a statement on Saturday that Ponga would begin rehabilitation, "with the view to returning to play in the back end of the season".
Courier-Mail
13 hours ago
- Sport
- Courier-Mail
NRL news: State of Origin alarm bells as Kalyn Ponga ruled out, Reece Walsh put on notice, latest Queensland Maroons, NSW Blues team news
Don't miss out on the headlines from NRL. Followed categories will be added to My News. Queensland star Kalyn Ponga is out of the State of Origin decider in a massive blow for Billy Slater's men. The Knights captain left the field in distress in the 60th minute of Newcastle's narrow 22-18 loss to the Raiders at McDonald Jones Stadium on Friday night. FOX LEAGUE, available on Kayo Sports, is the only place to watch every game of every round in the 2025 NRL Telstra Premiership, LIVE with no ad-breaks during play. New to Kayo? Get your first month for just $1. Limited-time offer. He was seen after the game in a moon boot and will go for scans over the weekend for what is believed to be a Lisfranc injury. If it is confirmed as a Lisfranc his season will be over. But what is for certain is he won't be part of Slater's side for the series decider in just over a week. If a midfoot sprain is confirmed, the best-case scenario would see the Knights star sidelined for two to six weeks. Reece Walsh will likely replace Kalyn Ponga in the State of Origin decider. (Photo by) But if it is as feared and scans reveal it is a high-grade injury, the 27-year-old would require surgery and would miss the remainder of the NRL season – a massive blow to the Knights' slim chances of playing finals footy in 2025. It comes after the fullback suffered a Lisfranc injury last season on his opposite foot, which required surgery and saw him miss 11 weeks of football. Kalyn Ponga injury opens door for Reece Walsh Origin recall Ponga's injury has opened the door for Reece Walsh to earn an Origin call-up. Walsh will line up against the Warriors on Saturday afternoon and a strong display will all but certainly see him recalled by Slater. While Dolphins star Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow is another fullback option for Slater, but that move appears less likely. Walsh has played five Origin games and if not being out with a knee injury early in the season, many believe he would have been Slater's preferred No.1. Walsh's knee is still far from right with the fullback seen limping on several occasions during the Broncos' 34-28 comeback win over Cronulla last week. However, the 22-year-old says it is getting better each week. 'It's good, I was trying to hide it (laughs),' Walsh said of his knee. 'It's a work in progress. I am still trying to get used to the feel of it.' NSW will have a home-ground advantage for the series decider, which will take place at Sydney's Accor Stadium on Wednesday, July 9. Originally published as Kalyn Ponga ruled out of State of Origin decider as Reece Walsh set to be recalled
Daily Mail
14 hours ago
- Sport
- Daily Mail
Bombshell for Queensland after fullback Kalyn Ponga is ruled out of Origin decider with a foot injury
Kalyn Ponga is out of the State of Origin series decider, after scans confirmed the Queensland superstar suffered a Lisfranc injury. Newcastle confirmed on Saturday morning that Ponga was set for a lengthy stint out, less than 12 hours after picking up a foot complaint in the loss to Canberra. Ponga's injury will potentially open the door for Reece Walsh to return to the Queensland No.1 jersey, after his own return to form for Brisbane. The Maroons' other option would be to shift Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow to fullback, after the Dolphins No.1 played centre and wing in the first two games. Tabuai-Fidow's move would not be simple, however, given back-up centre Jack Howarth is out with appendicitis and Selwyn Cobbo has been dropped by Brisbane. Ponga's injury is a serious blow to the Maroons, given their game-two win in Perth had offered Billy Slater the prospect of keeping the team intact for Sydney. Newcastle said in a statement on Saturday that Ponga would begin rehabilitation, 'with the view to returning to play in the back end of the season.' Ponga limped from the field during the second half of the Knights' 22-18 loss, with the injury suffered on the opposite foot to the one he sustained Lisfranc damage to last year. On that occasion, he missed seven games for the Knights. A similar timeframe would mean Ponga does not return until the eve of the finals this year. Almost immediately after the match on Friday night, Newcastle officials had feared the worst. 'Kalyn's tough. He doesn't come off for much,' coach Adam O'Brien said. 'You have to drag him off the field with a tow truck normally, so it's probably not a good sign.' Ponga's injury also comes as a significant setback for Newcastle and O'Brien, after the Knights had shown signs of turning their season around in the past month. Five-eighth and back-up fullback Fletcher Sharpe is unlikely to return again this year, after suffering a lacerated kidney and spleen damage last week in Perth against the Dolphins. Fletcher Hunt could now be the man to fill in for Ponga. For Queensland, it is also a mega blow.
7NEWS
15 hours ago
- Sport
- 7NEWS
Reece Walsh in State of Origin frame after devastating Kalyn Ponga injury
Broncos star fullback Reece Walsh is suddenly in the frame for a State of Origin call-up after Kalyn Ponga has been ruled out with a devastating Lisfranc injury. Newcastle confirmed on Saturday morning Ponga was set for a lengthy stint out, less than 12 hours after picking up a foot injury in the loss to Canberra. Ponga's injury will potentially open the door for Walsh to return to the Queensland No.1 jersey, after his own return to form for Brisbane. Know the news with the 7NEWS app: Download today The Maroons' other option would be to shift Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow to fullback, after the Dolphins No.1 played centre and wing in the first two games. Tabuai-Fidow's move would not be simple, however, given back-up centre Jack Howarth is out with appendicitis and Selwyn Cobbo has been dropped by Brisbane. Ponga's injury is a serious blow to the Maroons, given their Game 2 win in Perth had offered Billy Slater the prospect of keeping the team intact for Sydney. Newcastle said in a statement on Saturday: 'Knights captain Kalyn Ponga underwent scans this morning to assess an injury suffered in the 2nd half. 'The Knights and QLD fullback has been diagnosed with a Lisfranc injury. 'Ponga will begin his rehabilitation with Knights medical staff, with the view of returning to play in the back end of the season.' Ponga limped from the field during the second half of the Knights' 22-18 loss, with the injury suffered on the opposite foot to the one he suffered lisfranc damage to last year. On that occasion, he missed seven games for the Knights. A similar timeframe would mean Ponga does not return until the eve of the finals this year. Almost immediately after the match on Friday night, Newcastle officials had feared the worst. 'Kalyn's tough. He doesn't come off for much,' coach Adam O'Brien said. 'You have to drag him off the field with a tow truck normally, so it's probably not a good sign.' Ponga's injury also comes as a significant setback for Newcastle and O'Brien, after the Knights had shown signs of turning their season around in the past month. Five-eighth and back-up fullback Fletcher Sharpe is unlikely to return again this year, after suffering a lacerated kidney and spleen damage last week. Fletcher Hunt could now be the man to fill in for Ponga. For Queensland, it is also a mega blow. Despite being one of the best No.1s in the competition, Ponga has been restricted to eight games starting for the Maroons since first wearing the No.1 in 2019.
Daily Telegraph
15 hours ago
- Sport
- Daily Telegraph
NRL news: State of Origin alarm bells as Kalyn Ponga ruled out, Reece Walsh put on notice, latest Queensland Maroons, NSW Blues team news
Don't miss out on the headlines from NRL. Followed categories will be added to My News. Queensland star Kalyn Ponga is out of the State of Origin decider in a massive blow for Billy Slater's men. The Knights captain left the field in distress in the 60th minute of Newcastle's narrow 22-18 loss to the Raiders at McDonald Jones Stadium on Friday night. FOX LEAGUE, available on Kayo Sports, is the only place to watch every game of every round in the 2025 NRL Telstra Premiership, LIVE with no ad-breaks during play. New to Kayo? Get your first month for just $1. Limited-time offer. He was seen after the game in a moon boot and will go for scans over the weekend for what is believed to be a Lisfranc injury. If it is confirmed as a Lisfranc his season will be over. But what is for certain is he won't be part of Slater's side for the series decider in just over a week. If a midfoot sprain is confirmed, the best-case scenario would see the Knights star sidelined for two to six weeks. Reece Walsh will likely replace Kalyn Ponga in the State of Origin decider. (Photo by) But if it is as feared and scans reveal it is a high-grade injury, the 27-year-old would require surgery and would miss the remainder of the NRL season – a massive blow to the Knights' slim chances of playing finals footy in 2025. It comes after the fullback suffered a Lisfranc injury last season on his opposite foot, which required surgery and saw him miss 11 weeks of football. Kalyn Ponga injury opens door for Reece Walsh Origin recall Ponga's injury has opened the door for Reece Walsh to earn an Origin call-up. Walsh will line up against the Warriors on Saturday afternoon and a strong display will all but certainly see him recalled by Slater. While Dolphins star Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow is another fullback option for Slater, but that move appears less likely. Walsh has played five Origin games and if not being out with a knee injury early in the season, many believe he would have been Slater's preferred No.1. Walsh's knee is still far from right with the fullback seen limping on several occasions during the Broncos' 34-28 comeback win over Cronulla last week. However, the 22-year-old says it is getting better each week. 'It's good, I was trying to hide it (laughs),' Walsh said of his knee. 'It's a work in progress. I am still trying to get used to the feel of it.' NSW will have a home-ground advantage for the series decider, which will take place at Sydney's Accor Stadium on Wednesday, July 9. Originally published as Kalyn Ponga ruled out of State of Origin decider as Reece Walsh set to be recalled
