Ponga's major injury issue laid bare by horror blunder

The Knights have been hit with a serious injury concern after Kalyn Ponga failed to finish his side's match as they lost 36-12 to the Bulldogs.

Ponga consistently limped his way through the first half, and could only play 11 minutes after the break.

The fullback had a limited impact, running only seven times for 44 metres.

READ MORE: Swimming Australia launches 'inquiries' into scandal

READ MORE: Red-hot Olympic gold medal shot sends ominous warning

LIVE UPDATES: Sunday's NRL news and action

Ponga suffered a hip injury against the Roosters last week and clearly looked as if he wasn't 100 per cent.

However, in a double blow, it was revealed on Fox League that Ponga was in a moon boot after suffering a foot injury.

Newcastle struggled in the first half, with the Bulldogs leading 18-6 at the break after tries to Sam Hughes, Jacob Kiraz and Bronson Xerri. Dylan Lucas was the try-scorer for the Knights.

During the break, footage captured Ponga limping around the dressing room and when he returned to the field.

Watch the 2024 NRL premiership live and free on Nine and 9Now.

"What do you do if you're Adam O'Brien? Clearly, he can't run," Steve 'Blocker' Roach said on Fox League. 

"He's a passenger at the moment."

Eight minutes into the second half, Ponga suffered an embarrassing moment when he tried to usher a Reed Mahoney grubber dead.

Bulldogs youngster proved too determined, getting past Ponga to put the ball down before it went dead.

The fullback completed one more run before he finally left the field.

After Ponga's departure, the Bulldogs continued their rout, scoring another xx tries

Canterbury could have a few problems from the game though with prop Chris Patolo leaving the field inside three minutes with an MCL injury. 

Drew Hutchison was also placed on report for tripping Kai Pearce-Paul in the first half.

Jaeman Salmon was also placed on report late for a high tackle while Reed Mahoney and Knights forward Jack Hetherington were sin-binned for a feisty exchange in the final stages.