Knights suffer major concern with Ponga injury

Kalyn Ponga has given Newcastle a major concern after he left the field late in the second half following a big hit from Sharks centre Jesse Ramien.

The fullback was in scintillating form on Sunday afternoon, steering the Knights to a 32-6 victory, pushing them into fifth on the ladder.

However, his departure in the 66th minute wasn't a good sight for Newcastle fans who gave him a standing ovation as he left.

READ MORE: 'Disaster' strikes All Blacks on eve of Rugby World Cup

READ MORE: Matildas slip down rankings despite World Cup heroics

READ MORE: Boomers World Cup off to perfect start with Finland victory

Ramien's shot came under scrutiny in commentary but upon further vision his hit was described as a "heavy collision" by NRL icon Phil Gould.

NSW Blues coach Brad Fittler said he didn't think there was "anything wrong" with the tackle. 

"Jesse Ramien would be one of the hardest players in the competition, he is just made of concrete," he said on Nine's coverage.

"I don't think there's anything wrong with that tackle at all. It obviously looked very dangerous with Kalyn's head whipping back."

Physiotherapist and injury analyst Brian Seeney said on X that Ponga's injury looked to be an AC joint.

https://twitter.com/nrlphysio/status/1695708538520400309?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw

"Textbook mechanism with direct contact to shoulder side on," he wrote.

"Hope minor/moderate sprain considering ability to stay on momentarily. If so most return in 1-3 weeks – can needle up and play through."

Coach Adam O'Brien had no update on the Ponga injury in his press conference but said he won't play him next week if there's a "risk".

"I'll make that decision once we know what it is, I won't be stupid with him that's for sure … I don't want to make a heap of changes either, I think rhythm to the team's important but anyone that's got bumps I won't take a risk with," he said.

The Sharks started the game strong when Connor Tracey went over in the seventh minute. Newcastle would hit back with only one try to Ponga in the first half to keep it even at 6-6.

Stream the NRL premiership 2023 live and free on 9Now

Newcastle clicked into gear after the break to run in five unanswered second half tries with Bradman Best scoring two while Dominic Young, Greg Marzhew and Dylan Lucas all went over too.

The Knights are now in the box seat for a home semi-final with their next clash against the Dragons, while the two teams below them, Cronulla and Canberra, play each other in the final round.