Latest news with #Ponga
7NEWS
11 hours ago
- Sport
- 7NEWS
Hearts break for rising NRL star Jack Bostock after suspected ACL rupture in Dolphins' loss to Knights
Newcastle forward Brodie Jones scored in the final minute to sink the injury-hit Dolphins 26-20 in a thriller in Perth and keep the Knights' finals hopes alive. Jones, who came off the bench, chased through a bomb and showed great determination to plant the ball down after Knights captain Kalyn Ponga had set up two tries in a brilliant display. The Dolphins lost winger Jack Bostock to a suspected ACL rupture in the first half at HBF Park. 'He is distraught, it was a non-contact injury,' commentator Warren Smith said. 'It's a sad sight.' Bostock scored four tries in his previous outing and has been touted as a NSW representative of the future. 'I am really disappointed for him,' Dolphins coach Kristian Woolf said. 'He's had a great season and is a terrific young man and I know he has the resilience to get through it.' His loss adds to season-ending injuries already for key forwards Tom Gilbert, Daniel Saifiti and Max Plath, along with the continued absence of prop Thomas Flegler with a shoulder nerve complaint since April last year. Newcastle have struggled in attack in 2025 but had more strike with centre Bradman Best back from a hamstring injury and winger Dominic Young returned to the club after a mid-season transfer from Sydney Roosters. Ponga, backing up from Queensland's win on Wednesday, played a true captain's knock. He got his hands on the ball when the game was on the line and set up two tries for Best with pinpoint grubbers. 'I am very proud of them,' winning Knights coach Adam O'Brien said. 'When the game was there to be taken, they went after it. ''(Jones) actually earned that (winning) try after he'd come up with big plays earlier in the half.' Dolphins fullback Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow was also outstanding with the ball after his Maroons starring role. Knights five-eighth Fletcher Sharpe swooped to score his 11th try of the season after a Jack Cogger bomb was dropped by Tabuai-Fidow. Newcastle's kicking game was on song and they led 16-4 at one stage before the Dolphins hit back. The dynamic Dolphins left edge was dangerous. Five-eighth Kodi Nikorima started and finished a move while new captain Isaiya Katoa put hole running specialist Connelly Lemuelu in with a precision pass. The Knights lost Sharpe to an HIA and then centre Dane Gagai was sin-binned for a professional foul in the second half. Katoa combined with versatile Kurt Donoghoe to put winger Jamayne Isaako over in the corner. The Dolphins turned it on from their own tryline to take the lead with centre Herbie Farnworth igniting a move that was finished by Tabuai-Fidow. Ponga laid on another try for Best with a pinpoint grubber to level it up at 20-all with 16 minutes to go before an enthralling finish that was capped by Jones' heroics. The Dolphins had won their previous three matches and were gallant but the Knights were desperate and moved to 13th position with the win.
The Advertiser
7 days ago
- Sport
- The Advertiser
'This isn't brand new': Coach not concerned by latest speculation about Knights superstar
KALYN Ponga was linked to a move to the Roosters in April. He was head-hunted by Wayne Bennett to be the face of the Dolphins in 2022 before signing an extention with the Knights. In 2019, Ponga was set to swap codes and become an All Black. Cashed-up Europeans rugby clubs are the latest to target the Knights captain. Ponga's dad, Andre, told News Limited that clubs in France and England have made preliminary inquiries, flagging a potential salary of more the $2 million a year. The fullback, who is on the Sunchine Coast with the Maroons preparing for State of Origin II, is contracted at the Knights until the end of 2027. "The interest is from overseas rugby, but it's not a conversation we are worrying about right now," Ponga senior told News Limited. "He doesn't want to be rushed into a decision two years out. "I know he wants a premiership for the Knights. "The results don't show it but he is always optimistic. "I guess it's a matter of the future. Kalyn is halfway through his tenure now and the Knights have some really talented kids coming through. "It's probably one to ask in another 12 months time realistically." Ponga is in his eighth season at the Knights. Adam O'Brien has been the coach for six of them. Like many of the game's marquee players, Ponga has consistently been in the headlines. O'Brien was "unaware" of the latest speculation around the 27-year-old 2022 Dally M Medal winner, who is on $1.4 million a season. "I have kept my head down and out of the papers this week," O'Brien said. Asked if the seemingly constant conjecture over Ponga's future could be a distraction for the playing group, O'Brien said: "This isn't brand new around Kalyn. Someone is always writing something. "That is why I am not concerned about it being a distraction. "What I do know is that Kalyn has a very strong desire to win a premiership for this town. "That has remained true. I have heard him say that a number of times. I know that really drives him. "That is the bit I focus on." Meanwhile, O'Brien labelled Jackson Hastings the ideal man to 'steer' a young Knights side against the Roosters at McDonald Jones Stadium on Saturday. It will be the playmaker's first appearance in the NRL in nearly a year. On a contract worth $750,000 a season, Hastings has previously been overlooked in favour of Fletcher Sharpe, Jack Cogger, Phoenix Crossland and Tyson Gamble. There have been suggestions that the much-maligned pivot had fallen out with senior figures in the team. However, with injuy and origin duties hitting the Knights hard, O'Brien has turned to the 29-year-old to partner Cogger in the halves. "With the age and experience of the squad, Jackson is ideal to steer them around because he knows the game so well," O'Brien said. "He is very good with his communication. Credit to Jackson. An injury presented an opportunity for Jackson and I can't fault him. "The players have said the same. At training all week, he has been really, really good." Hastings was 18th man for the come-from-behind win over Manly last round in a sign he was close to a return. Asked, what Hastings had done to earn a recall, O'Brien said. "I just think he has been really consistent with his training," the coach said. "His attitude has been great. "When you saw how genuine his celebration of the win last week was, could probably sense their might be an opportunity." KALYN Ponga was linked to a move to the Roosters in April. He was head-hunted by Wayne Bennett to be the face of the Dolphins in 2022 before signing an extention with the Knights. In 2019, Ponga was set to swap codes and become an All Black. Cashed-up Europeans rugby clubs are the latest to target the Knights captain. Ponga's dad, Andre, told News Limited that clubs in France and England have made preliminary inquiries, flagging a potential salary of more the $2 million a year. The fullback, who is on the Sunchine Coast with the Maroons preparing for State of Origin II, is contracted at the Knights until the end of 2027. "The interest is from overseas rugby, but it's not a conversation we are worrying about right now," Ponga senior told News Limited. "He doesn't want to be rushed into a decision two years out. "I know he wants a premiership for the Knights. "The results don't show it but he is always optimistic. "I guess it's a matter of the future. Kalyn is halfway through his tenure now and the Knights have some really talented kids coming through. "It's probably one to ask in another 12 months time realistically." Ponga is in his eighth season at the Knights. Adam O'Brien has been the coach for six of them. Like many of the game's marquee players, Ponga has consistently been in the headlines. O'Brien was "unaware" of the latest speculation around the 27-year-old 2022 Dally M Medal winner, who is on $1.4 million a season. "I have kept my head down and out of the papers this week," O'Brien said. Asked if the seemingly constant conjecture over Ponga's future could be a distraction for the playing group, O'Brien said: "This isn't brand new around Kalyn. Someone is always writing something. "That is why I am not concerned about it being a distraction. "What I do know is that Kalyn has a very strong desire to win a premiership for this town. "That has remained true. I have heard him say that a number of times. I know that really drives him. "That is the bit I focus on." Meanwhile, O'Brien labelled Jackson Hastings the ideal man to 'steer' a young Knights side against the Roosters at McDonald Jones Stadium on Saturday. It will be the playmaker's first appearance in the NRL in nearly a year. On a contract worth $750,000 a season, Hastings has previously been overlooked in favour of Fletcher Sharpe, Jack Cogger, Phoenix Crossland and Tyson Gamble. There have been suggestions that the much-maligned pivot had fallen out with senior figures in the team. However, with injuy and origin duties hitting the Knights hard, O'Brien has turned to the 29-year-old to partner Cogger in the halves. "With the age and experience of the squad, Jackson is ideal to steer them around because he knows the game so well," O'Brien said. "He is very good with his communication. Credit to Jackson. An injury presented an opportunity for Jackson and I can't fault him. "The players have said the same. At training all week, he has been really, really good." Hastings was 18th man for the come-from-behind win over Manly last round in a sign he was close to a return. Asked, what Hastings had done to earn a recall, O'Brien said. "I just think he has been really consistent with his training," the coach said. "His attitude has been great. "When you saw how genuine his celebration of the win last week was, could probably sense their might be an opportunity." KALYN Ponga was linked to a move to the Roosters in April. He was head-hunted by Wayne Bennett to be the face of the Dolphins in 2022 before signing an extention with the Knights. In 2019, Ponga was set to swap codes and become an All Black. Cashed-up Europeans rugby clubs are the latest to target the Knights captain. Ponga's dad, Andre, told News Limited that clubs in France and England have made preliminary inquiries, flagging a potential salary of more the $2 million a year. The fullback, who is on the Sunchine Coast with the Maroons preparing for State of Origin II, is contracted at the Knights until the end of 2027. "The interest is from overseas rugby, but it's not a conversation we are worrying about right now," Ponga senior told News Limited. "He doesn't want to be rushed into a decision two years out. "I know he wants a premiership for the Knights. "The results don't show it but he is always optimistic. "I guess it's a matter of the future. Kalyn is halfway through his tenure now and the Knights have some really talented kids coming through. "It's probably one to ask in another 12 months time realistically." Ponga is in his eighth season at the Knights. Adam O'Brien has been the coach for six of them. Like many of the game's marquee players, Ponga has consistently been in the headlines. O'Brien was "unaware" of the latest speculation around the 27-year-old 2022 Dally M Medal winner, who is on $1.4 million a season. "I have kept my head down and out of the papers this week," O'Brien said. Asked if the seemingly constant conjecture over Ponga's future could be a distraction for the playing group, O'Brien said: "This isn't brand new around Kalyn. Someone is always writing something. "That is why I am not concerned about it being a distraction. "What I do know is that Kalyn has a very strong desire to win a premiership for this town. "That has remained true. I have heard him say that a number of times. I know that really drives him. "That is the bit I focus on." Meanwhile, O'Brien labelled Jackson Hastings the ideal man to 'steer' a young Knights side against the Roosters at McDonald Jones Stadium on Saturday. It will be the playmaker's first appearance in the NRL in nearly a year. On a contract worth $750,000 a season, Hastings has previously been overlooked in favour of Fletcher Sharpe, Jack Cogger, Phoenix Crossland and Tyson Gamble. There have been suggestions that the much-maligned pivot had fallen out with senior figures in the team. However, with injuy and origin duties hitting the Knights hard, O'Brien has turned to the 29-year-old to partner Cogger in the halves. "With the age and experience of the squad, Jackson is ideal to steer them around because he knows the game so well," O'Brien said. "He is very good with his communication. Credit to Jackson. An injury presented an opportunity for Jackson and I can't fault him. "The players have said the same. At training all week, he has been really, really good." Hastings was 18th man for the come-from-behind win over Manly last round in a sign he was close to a return. Asked, what Hastings had done to earn a recall, O'Brien said. "I just think he has been really consistent with his training," the coach said. "His attitude has been great. "When you saw how genuine his celebration of the win last week was, could probably sense their might be an opportunity." KALYN Ponga was linked to a move to the Roosters in April. He was head-hunted by Wayne Bennett to be the face of the Dolphins in 2022 before signing an extention with the Knights. In 2019, Ponga was set to swap codes and become an All Black. Cashed-up Europeans rugby clubs are the latest to target the Knights captain. Ponga's dad, Andre, told News Limited that clubs in France and England have made preliminary inquiries, flagging a potential salary of more the $2 million a year. The fullback, who is on the Sunchine Coast with the Maroons preparing for State of Origin II, is contracted at the Knights until the end of 2027. "The interest is from overseas rugby, but it's not a conversation we are worrying about right now," Ponga senior told News Limited. "He doesn't want to be rushed into a decision two years out. "I know he wants a premiership for the Knights. "The results don't show it but he is always optimistic. "I guess it's a matter of the future. Kalyn is halfway through his tenure now and the Knights have some really talented kids coming through. "It's probably one to ask in another 12 months time realistically." Ponga is in his eighth season at the Knights. Adam O'Brien has been the coach for six of them. Like many of the game's marquee players, Ponga has consistently been in the headlines. O'Brien was "unaware" of the latest speculation around the 27-year-old 2022 Dally M Medal winner, who is on $1.4 million a season. "I have kept my head down and out of the papers this week," O'Brien said. Asked if the seemingly constant conjecture over Ponga's future could be a distraction for the playing group, O'Brien said: "This isn't brand new around Kalyn. Someone is always writing something. "That is why I am not concerned about it being a distraction. "What I do know is that Kalyn has a very strong desire to win a premiership for this town. "That has remained true. I have heard him say that a number of times. I know that really drives him. "That is the bit I focus on." Meanwhile, O'Brien labelled Jackson Hastings the ideal man to 'steer' a young Knights side against the Roosters at McDonald Jones Stadium on Saturday. It will be the playmaker's first appearance in the NRL in nearly a year. On a contract worth $750,000 a season, Hastings has previously been overlooked in favour of Fletcher Sharpe, Jack Cogger, Phoenix Crossland and Tyson Gamble. There have been suggestions that the much-maligned pivot had fallen out with senior figures in the team. However, with injuy and origin duties hitting the Knights hard, O'Brien has turned to the 29-year-old to partner Cogger in the halves. "With the age and experience of the squad, Jackson is ideal to steer them around because he knows the game so well," O'Brien said. "He is very good with his communication. Credit to Jackson. An injury presented an opportunity for Jackson and I can't fault him. "The players have said the same. At training all week, he has been really, really good." Hastings was 18th man for the come-from-behind win over Manly last round in a sign he was close to a return. Asked, what Hastings had done to earn a recall, O'Brien said. "I just think he has been really consistent with his training," the coach said. "His attitude has been great. "When you saw how genuine his celebration of the win last week was, could probably sense their might be an opportunity."
Yahoo
05-06-2025
- 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
05-06-2025
- 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
05-06-2025
- 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.
