Ponga cleared of season-ending injury
Kalyn Ponga will need a course of painkilling injections
Kalyn Ponga will need a course of painkilling injections in his shoulder to return during the finals as Roosters prop Jared Waerea-Hargreaves fights one of two three-game suspensions to try and save his season.
Ponga, who was taken off in the final quarter of the Knights’ comprehensive win over the Sharks on Sunday after a crunching Jesse Ramien tackle, will miss Newcastle’s final regular season match against the Dragons.
But coach Adam O’Brien remains hopeful he will return for an elimination final in Newcastle the following week, despite initial fears he had also suffered a season-ending broken collarbone.
“Scans today have confirmed nib Newcastle Knights captain Kalyn Ponga has a high-grade AC shoulder injury,” the Knights said in a statement.
“Ponga will not be considered for selection for round 27, [and] medical and performance staff have commenced treatment with a view to returning for week one of the finals series.”
The NRL’s match review committee deemed Ramien’s hit to be legal.
Ponga’s teammate Bradman Best said he was hopeful the 25-year-old would be fit to return during the finals as the Knights ride an eight-game winning streak into September.
“I think it’s decent, it’s a good injury,” Best said on Sunday night. “We’ll get him on ice and hopefully it’s not too bad. I’m thinking of him.”
