Latest news with #Ponga
The Advertiser
5 days 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".
The Advertiser
5 days ago
- Sport
- The Advertiser
Ponga out of Origin III as Knights' fears confirmed
Kalyn Ponga is out of the State of Origin series decider, after scans confirmed the Queensland superstar has suffered a 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 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 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. Kalyn Ponga is out of the State of Origin series decider, after scans confirmed the Queensland superstar has suffered a 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 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 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. Kalyn Ponga is out of the State of Origin series decider, after scans confirmed the Queensland superstar has suffered a 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 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 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.
7NEWS
5 days 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.
The Advertiser
5 days ago
- Sport
- The Advertiser
'Not a good sign': foot injury puts Ponga in doubt for Origin as Knights fall to Raiders
Kalyn Ponga may have lost his chance to feature in the State of Origin decider after picking up a foot injury in Newcastle's 22-18 loss to Canberra on Friday night. The Knights skipper left the field in the 60th minute at McDonald Jones Stadium and did not return as Newcastle suffered their 10th loss in 16 games this season. The 27-year-old, who has played fullback for the Maroons in the first two Origin games, limped out of a tackle from Raiders forward Morgan Smithies before succumbing to the pain a couple of minutes later. "He'll need to go and get scans. All I know at the moment is it's a foot injury [and] it's not the one he done in '23," Knights coach Adam O'Brien said, seemingly referencing Ponga's lengthy Lisfranc injury which actually occurred in the 2024 season. "He's tough. He doesn't come off for just about anything. "You've got to drag him off the field with a tow-truck normally, so that's probably not a good sign." Queensland will select their squad after this weekend's NRL games for Origin III at Sydney's Accor Stadium on July 9. Ponga was no certainty to be picked after Broncos fullback Reece Walsh returned from injury with a bang in recent weeks. Newcastle had fallen 22-6 behind immediately after Ponga got injured, but scored two late tries to reduce the deficit and set up a grandstand finish. It wasn't to be, however, with Canberra claiming their 13th win in 16 outings to move to the top of the NRL points table. The visitors had produced a near flawless first half, completing 19 of 19 sets. They led 16-0 at the break after three tries in the space of 12 minutes. Newcastle made at least three unforced errors whilst in attacking range in the first 40 minutes, blowing any chance of putting the Raiders under sustained pressure. Their mistakes didn't help their cause after the break, one knock-on directly leading to the Raiders' fourth try. Knights back James Schiller crossed for a double with five minutes left to play, but Newcastle couldn't bridge the gap in the dying stages. "There was a tonne of effort in the second half, I just thought our start to the game, particularly in good ball, let us down a little bit," O'Brien said. "We created enough opportunities, just didn't ice them. "The second half we went after the game, it freed up a little bit which is the key to this team, and to Canberra's credit, they took their moments. "They took theirs, and we bungled ours in the first half." The loss leaves the Knights in 13th position - four points adrift the top eight - with eight games left to play. They have a bye next week before hosting Melbourne in round 19. After a competitive start to the game, former Knight Simi Sasagi struck first for the Raiders, beating Ponga to an Ethan Stange kick to score on the left edge. The 15th-minute try came after Raiders back Matt Timoko made a 40-metre break to put the Raiders in striking distance. A 40/20 kick from Jamal Fogarty gave the visitors easy field position around the 23rd minute, and a few plays later fullback Kaeo Weekes darted over after taking a Zac Hosking offload from close range. Leading 10-0, Canberra crossed again four minutes later when Strange dived over in the corner, the Raiders making it look all too easy with an overlap on a short left edge. After their ninth scoreless first half this season, Newcastle finally broke through for a try 10 minutes into the second stanza when winger James Schiller found space on the left flank. Eight minutes later, Knights half Jackson Hastings knocked-on near halfway and Strange scooped up the ball and raced away before passing to winger Jed Stuart who crossed untouched. It helped extend Canberra's lead to 22-6 with 20 minutes left to play, and at the same time Ponga hobbled off the field. That forced Dane Gagai back to fullback, but the Knights managed to reduce the deficit five minutes later when rookie forward Jermaine McEwen barged over from dummy-half for his first career try. Schiller's 75th-minute try gave the Knights fans among the 17,527 in attendance some hope, but it wasn't to be. Kalyn Ponga may have lost his chance to feature in the State of Origin decider after picking up a foot injury in Newcastle's 22-18 loss to Canberra on Friday night. The Knights skipper left the field in the 60th minute at McDonald Jones Stadium and did not return as Newcastle suffered their 10th loss in 16 games this season. The 27-year-old, who has played fullback for the Maroons in the first two Origin games, limped out of a tackle from Raiders forward Morgan Smithies before succumbing to the pain a couple of minutes later. "He'll need to go and get scans. All I know at the moment is it's a foot injury [and] it's not the one he done in '23," Knights coach Adam O'Brien said, seemingly referencing Ponga's lengthy Lisfranc injury which actually occurred in the 2024 season. "He's tough. He doesn't come off for just about anything. "You've got to drag him off the field with a tow-truck normally, so that's probably not a good sign." Queensland will select their squad after this weekend's NRL games for Origin III at Sydney's Accor Stadium on July 9. Ponga was no certainty to be picked after Broncos fullback Reece Walsh returned from injury with a bang in recent weeks. Newcastle had fallen 22-6 behind immediately after Ponga got injured, but scored two late tries to reduce the deficit and set up a grandstand finish. It wasn't to be, however, with Canberra claiming their 13th win in 16 outings to move to the top of the NRL points table. The visitors had produced a near flawless first half, completing 19 of 19 sets. They led 16-0 at the break after three tries in the space of 12 minutes. Newcastle made at least three unforced errors whilst in attacking range in the first 40 minutes, blowing any chance of putting the Raiders under sustained pressure. Their mistakes didn't help their cause after the break, one knock-on directly leading to the Raiders' fourth try. Knights back James Schiller crossed for a double with five minutes left to play, but Newcastle couldn't bridge the gap in the dying stages. "There was a tonne of effort in the second half, I just thought our start to the game, particularly in good ball, let us down a little bit," O'Brien said. "We created enough opportunities, just didn't ice them. "The second half we went after the game, it freed up a little bit which is the key to this team, and to Canberra's credit, they took their moments. "They took theirs, and we bungled ours in the first half." The loss leaves the Knights in 13th position - four points adrift the top eight - with eight games left to play. They have a bye next week before hosting Melbourne in round 19. After a competitive start to the game, former Knight Simi Sasagi struck first for the Raiders, beating Ponga to an Ethan Stange kick to score on the left edge. The 15th-minute try came after Raiders back Matt Timoko made a 40-metre break to put the Raiders in striking distance. A 40/20 kick from Jamal Fogarty gave the visitors easy field position around the 23rd minute, and a few plays later fullback Kaeo Weekes darted over after taking a Zac Hosking offload from close range. Leading 10-0, Canberra crossed again four minutes later when Strange dived over in the corner, the Raiders making it look all too easy with an overlap on a short left edge. After their ninth scoreless first half this season, Newcastle finally broke through for a try 10 minutes into the second stanza when winger James Schiller found space on the left flank. Eight minutes later, Knights half Jackson Hastings knocked-on near halfway and Strange scooped up the ball and raced away before passing to winger Jed Stuart who crossed untouched. It helped extend Canberra's lead to 22-6 with 20 minutes left to play, and at the same time Ponga hobbled off the field. That forced Dane Gagai back to fullback, but the Knights managed to reduce the deficit five minutes later when rookie forward Jermaine McEwen barged over from dummy-half for his first career try. Schiller's 75th-minute try gave the Knights fans among the 17,527 in attendance some hope, but it wasn't to be. Kalyn Ponga may have lost his chance to feature in the State of Origin decider after picking up a foot injury in Newcastle's 22-18 loss to Canberra on Friday night. The Knights skipper left the field in the 60th minute at McDonald Jones Stadium and did not return as Newcastle suffered their 10th loss in 16 games this season. The 27-year-old, who has played fullback for the Maroons in the first two Origin games, limped out of a tackle from Raiders forward Morgan Smithies before succumbing to the pain a couple of minutes later. "He'll need to go and get scans. All I know at the moment is it's a foot injury [and] it's not the one he done in '23," Knights coach Adam O'Brien said, seemingly referencing Ponga's lengthy Lisfranc injury which actually occurred in the 2024 season. "He's tough. He doesn't come off for just about anything. "You've got to drag him off the field with a tow-truck normally, so that's probably not a good sign." Queensland will select their squad after this weekend's NRL games for Origin III at Sydney's Accor Stadium on July 9. Ponga was no certainty to be picked after Broncos fullback Reece Walsh returned from injury with a bang in recent weeks. Newcastle had fallen 22-6 behind immediately after Ponga got injured, but scored two late tries to reduce the deficit and set up a grandstand finish. It wasn't to be, however, with Canberra claiming their 13th win in 16 outings to move to the top of the NRL points table. The visitors had produced a near flawless first half, completing 19 of 19 sets. They led 16-0 at the break after three tries in the space of 12 minutes. Newcastle made at least three unforced errors whilst in attacking range in the first 40 minutes, blowing any chance of putting the Raiders under sustained pressure. Their mistakes didn't help their cause after the break, one knock-on directly leading to the Raiders' fourth try. Knights back James Schiller crossed for a double with five minutes left to play, but Newcastle couldn't bridge the gap in the dying stages. "There was a tonne of effort in the second half, I just thought our start to the game, particularly in good ball, let us down a little bit," O'Brien said. "We created enough opportunities, just didn't ice them. "The second half we went after the game, it freed up a little bit which is the key to this team, and to Canberra's credit, they took their moments. "They took theirs, and we bungled ours in the first half." The loss leaves the Knights in 13th position - four points adrift the top eight - with eight games left to play. They have a bye next week before hosting Melbourne in round 19. After a competitive start to the game, former Knight Simi Sasagi struck first for the Raiders, beating Ponga to an Ethan Stange kick to score on the left edge. The 15th-minute try came after Raiders back Matt Timoko made a 40-metre break to put the Raiders in striking distance. A 40/20 kick from Jamal Fogarty gave the visitors easy field position around the 23rd minute, and a few plays later fullback Kaeo Weekes darted over after taking a Zac Hosking offload from close range. Leading 10-0, Canberra crossed again four minutes later when Strange dived over in the corner, the Raiders making it look all too easy with an overlap on a short left edge. After their ninth scoreless first half this season, Newcastle finally broke through for a try 10 minutes into the second stanza when winger James Schiller found space on the left flank. Eight minutes later, Knights half Jackson Hastings knocked-on near halfway and Strange scooped up the ball and raced away before passing to winger Jed Stuart who crossed untouched. It helped extend Canberra's lead to 22-6 with 20 minutes left to play, and at the same time Ponga hobbled off the field. That forced Dane Gagai back to fullback, but the Knights managed to reduce the deficit five minutes later when rookie forward Jermaine McEwen barged over from dummy-half for his first career try. Schiller's 75th-minute try gave the Knights fans among the 17,527 in attendance some hope, but it wasn't to be. Kalyn Ponga may have lost his chance to feature in the State of Origin decider after picking up a foot injury in Newcastle's 22-18 loss to Canberra on Friday night. The Knights skipper left the field in the 60th minute at McDonald Jones Stadium and did not return as Newcastle suffered their 10th loss in 16 games this season. The 27-year-old, who has played fullback for the Maroons in the first two Origin games, limped out of a tackle from Raiders forward Morgan Smithies before succumbing to the pain a couple of minutes later. "He'll need to go and get scans. All I know at the moment is it's a foot injury [and] it's not the one he done in '23," Knights coach Adam O'Brien said, seemingly referencing Ponga's lengthy Lisfranc injury which actually occurred in the 2024 season. "He's tough. He doesn't come off for just about anything. "You've got to drag him off the field with a tow-truck normally, so that's probably not a good sign." Queensland will select their squad after this weekend's NRL games for Origin III at Sydney's Accor Stadium on July 9. Ponga was no certainty to be picked after Broncos fullback Reece Walsh returned from injury with a bang in recent weeks. Newcastle had fallen 22-6 behind immediately after Ponga got injured, but scored two late tries to reduce the deficit and set up a grandstand finish. It wasn't to be, however, with Canberra claiming their 13th win in 16 outings to move to the top of the NRL points table. The visitors had produced a near flawless first half, completing 19 of 19 sets. They led 16-0 at the break after three tries in the space of 12 minutes. Newcastle made at least three unforced errors whilst in attacking range in the first 40 minutes, blowing any chance of putting the Raiders under sustained pressure. Their mistakes didn't help their cause after the break, one knock-on directly leading to the Raiders' fourth try. Knights back James Schiller crossed for a double with five minutes left to play, but Newcastle couldn't bridge the gap in the dying stages. "There was a tonne of effort in the second half, I just thought our start to the game, particularly in good ball, let us down a little bit," O'Brien said. "We created enough opportunities, just didn't ice them. "The second half we went after the game, it freed up a little bit which is the key to this team, and to Canberra's credit, they took their moments. "They took theirs, and we bungled ours in the first half." The loss leaves the Knights in 13th position - four points adrift the top eight - with eight games left to play. They have a bye next week before hosting Melbourne in round 19. After a competitive start to the game, former Knight Simi Sasagi struck first for the Raiders, beating Ponga to an Ethan Stange kick to score on the left edge. The 15th-minute try came after Raiders back Matt Timoko made a 40-metre break to put the Raiders in striking distance. A 40/20 kick from Jamal Fogarty gave the visitors easy field position around the 23rd minute, and a few plays later fullback Kaeo Weekes darted over after taking a Zac Hosking offload from close range. Leading 10-0, Canberra crossed again four minutes later when Strange dived over in the corner, the Raiders making it look all too easy with an overlap on a short left edge. After their ninth scoreless first half this season, Newcastle finally broke through for a try 10 minutes into the second stanza when winger James Schiller found space on the left flank. Eight minutes later, Knights half Jackson Hastings knocked-on near halfway and Strange scooped up the ball and raced away before passing to winger Jed Stuart who crossed untouched. It helped extend Canberra's lead to 22-6 with 20 minutes left to play, and at the same time Ponga hobbled off the field. That forced Dane Gagai back to fullback, but the Knights managed to reduce the deficit five minutes later when rookie forward Jermaine McEwen barged over from dummy-half for his first career try. Schiller's 75th-minute try gave the Knights fans among the 17,527 in attendance some hope, but it wasn't to be.
The Advertiser
5 days ago
- Sport
- The Advertiser
Origin decider fear for injured Ponga as Raiders go top
Kalyn Ponga will be sent for scans on a foot injury after failing to finish Newcastle's disappointing 22-18 loss to the Canberra Raiders. Ponga left Friday night's game after an innocuous tackle midway through the second half, in what could also be a potential blow for Queensland with the State of Origin decider at Accor Stadium less than two weeks away, Newcastle coach Adam O'Brien confirmed that the injury was not to the same foot as the one which forced Ponga to miss seven games last season. Dolphin Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow and revitalised Broncos fullback Reece Walsh shape up as the likely candidates to replace Ponga if he were to be ruled out of Billy Slater's squad. "Kalyn's tough. He doesn't come off for much. You have to drag him off the field with a tow truck normally, so it's probably not a good sign," O'Brien said. It was a night to forget from go to woe for the Knights. Their failure to score in the opening 10 minutes despite having the lion's share of possession was a testament of what was to come. The Raiders struck first in the 15th minute when Simi Sasagi out-enthused Ponga on a contested kick. Canberra were able to keep their foot on Newcastle's throat for the remainder of the first half, with swift and slick passing allowing for Kaeo Weekes and Ethan Strange to extend their side's lead to 16 by the break. A try by James Schiller in the 50th minute offered the Knights a glimmer of hope, but it wa extinguished eight minutes later when Strange made the most of a Newcastle error to help send Jed Stuart over for his second try in two first-grade starts Jermaine McEwen's first NRL four-pointer and Schiller's second try of the game added nothing but respect to the scoreline for the Knights, with the Raiders rarely threatened throughout proceedings. Canberra are now the clubhouse leaders of the NRL, with their four-point win enough to jump the Bulldogs on points differential into pole position. It has been 22 years - way back in 2003 - since the Green Machine have been atop the premiership ladder this deep into the season. "It's a year of building a foundation. What comes of the season, our fate is in our own hands," Canberra coach Ricky Stuart said. "But we won't be listening to any of the hype, the same as how we don't listen to the criticism. "We set ourselves some really big goals at the start of the year and it's going to still take a lot of courage to achieve them. There's still so much of the season to go yet, we won't be getting ahead of ourselves." With two byes and clashes with the lowly Dragons (twice), Eels and a return game against the Knights scheduled over the next seven weeks, the Raiders look primed for a tilt at the minor premiership. Kalyn Ponga will be sent for scans on a foot injury after failing to finish Newcastle's disappointing 22-18 loss to the Canberra Raiders. Ponga left Friday night's game after an innocuous tackle midway through the second half, in what could also be a potential blow for Queensland with the State of Origin decider at Accor Stadium less than two weeks away, Newcastle coach Adam O'Brien confirmed that the injury was not to the same foot as the one which forced Ponga to miss seven games last season. Dolphin Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow and revitalised Broncos fullback Reece Walsh shape up as the likely candidates to replace Ponga if he were to be ruled out of Billy Slater's squad. "Kalyn's tough. He doesn't come off for much. You have to drag him off the field with a tow truck normally, so it's probably not a good sign," O'Brien said. It was a night to forget from go to woe for the Knights. Their failure to score in the opening 10 minutes despite having the lion's share of possession was a testament of what was to come. The Raiders struck first in the 15th minute when Simi Sasagi out-enthused Ponga on a contested kick. Canberra were able to keep their foot on Newcastle's throat for the remainder of the first half, with swift and slick passing allowing for Kaeo Weekes and Ethan Strange to extend their side's lead to 16 by the break. A try by James Schiller in the 50th minute offered the Knights a glimmer of hope, but it wa extinguished eight minutes later when Strange made the most of a Newcastle error to help send Jed Stuart over for his second try in two first-grade starts Jermaine McEwen's first NRL four-pointer and Schiller's second try of the game added nothing but respect to the scoreline for the Knights, with the Raiders rarely threatened throughout proceedings. Canberra are now the clubhouse leaders of the NRL, with their four-point win enough to jump the Bulldogs on points differential into pole position. It has been 22 years - way back in 2003 - since the Green Machine have been atop the premiership ladder this deep into the season. "It's a year of building a foundation. What comes of the season, our fate is in our own hands," Canberra coach Ricky Stuart said. "But we won't be listening to any of the hype, the same as how we don't listen to the criticism. "We set ourselves some really big goals at the start of the year and it's going to still take a lot of courage to achieve them. There's still so much of the season to go yet, we won't be getting ahead of ourselves." With two byes and clashes with the lowly Dragons (twice), Eels and a return game against the Knights scheduled over the next seven weeks, the Raiders look primed for a tilt at the minor premiership. Kalyn Ponga will be sent for scans on a foot injury after failing to finish Newcastle's disappointing 22-18 loss to the Canberra Raiders. Ponga left Friday night's game after an innocuous tackle midway through the second half, in what could also be a potential blow for Queensland with the State of Origin decider at Accor Stadium less than two weeks away, Newcastle coach Adam O'Brien confirmed that the injury was not to the same foot as the one which forced Ponga to miss seven games last season. Dolphin Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow and revitalised Broncos fullback Reece Walsh shape up as the likely candidates to replace Ponga if he were to be ruled out of Billy Slater's squad. "Kalyn's tough. He doesn't come off for much. You have to drag him off the field with a tow truck normally, so it's probably not a good sign," O'Brien said. It was a night to forget from go to woe for the Knights. Their failure to score in the opening 10 minutes despite having the lion's share of possession was a testament of what was to come. The Raiders struck first in the 15th minute when Simi Sasagi out-enthused Ponga on a contested kick. Canberra were able to keep their foot on Newcastle's throat for the remainder of the first half, with swift and slick passing allowing for Kaeo Weekes and Ethan Strange to extend their side's lead to 16 by the break. A try by James Schiller in the 50th minute offered the Knights a glimmer of hope, but it wa extinguished eight minutes later when Strange made the most of a Newcastle error to help send Jed Stuart over for his second try in two first-grade starts Jermaine McEwen's first NRL four-pointer and Schiller's second try of the game added nothing but respect to the scoreline for the Knights, with the Raiders rarely threatened throughout proceedings. Canberra are now the clubhouse leaders of the NRL, with their four-point win enough to jump the Bulldogs on points differential into pole position. It has been 22 years - way back in 2003 - since the Green Machine have been atop the premiership ladder this deep into the season. "It's a year of building a foundation. What comes of the season, our fate is in our own hands," Canberra coach Ricky Stuart said. "But we won't be listening to any of the hype, the same as how we don't listen to the criticism. "We set ourselves some really big goals at the start of the year and it's going to still take a lot of courage to achieve them. There's still so much of the season to go yet, we won't be getting ahead of ourselves." With two byes and clashes with the lowly Dragons (twice), Eels and a return game against the Knights scheduled over the next seven weeks, the Raiders look primed for a tilt at the minor premiership.
