Kalyn Ponga is still a chance of playing at the World Cup despite concussions and toilet SCANDAL
Knights king of coin Kalyn Ponga remains a possible Kangaroos pick at the upcoming World Cup even through a concussion cloud and toilet scandal that has questioned his loyalty to Newcastle.
Ponga’s season was cut short after a horrid run with head knocks sidelined the skipper in sight of his long-term health.
The Newcastle skipper hasn’t helped his case, spotted in a scandal video last week that features he and teammate Kurt Mann being escorted out of a toilet cubicle.
Kalyn Ponga receives attention after hitting the turf hard following a high shot from Matt Lodge during Round 19
The star fullback resigned with the Knights earlier this year, but only managed to get through 14 games in a trying year that put doubt over his million-dollar salary.
Yet Kangaroos coach Mal Meninga insisted Ponga never had a line put through his name during World Cup discussions.
‘He was the victorious Queensland fullback, he will certainly come into calculations,’ Meninga said.
Ponga makes a break and scores a try during the Semi Final of the World Cup 9s against Samoa, 2019
‘I don’t think because of a lack of games that you’re any less of a player.’
When it comes to the selection process, they need to be ratified by the game itself, but Kalyn might not get to that stage because the club and the specialist might say he’s better off having a good rest.’
League officials are underway with plans for a Prime Minister’s XIII clash to be played in the third week of NRL finals, a fixture not seen since 2019 due to Covid.
Ponga allegedly drunk an excessive amount of alcohol after celebrating a house purchase with Mann, who was helping the speedster recover.
Ponga and Mann were seen walking around in a toilet cubicle, and were escorted out after allegedly drinking too much
In conjunction with many concussions, Ponga’s actions caused the NRL integrity to target-test the pair for illicit substances – the results may not be disclosed.
‘He’s a young bloke; I don’t want to make excuses for him, he doesn’t want that,’ Knights coach Adam O’Brien said in a post round 22 conference.
‘For Kalyn, it’s about helping the team prepare and trying to win back a little bit of respect and trust from teammates.’
Ponga is expected to take six to eight weeks for a full concussion recovery, as per neurologist Dr Chris Levi, who ruled it best for the 24-year-old to sit out the remaining weeks also due to the fact Newcastle were never in finals contention.
Ponga played his best footy of the season during the final game of the state of origin series, running 299 metres
Knights utility Kurt Mann takes up the ball during a round 14 clash against the Panthers – he is currently out until round 25 with a quad injury
The Knights are shaping up for a shocking end to a disappointing season, having to drop young centre Bradman Best and winger Enari Tuala for failing to meet club standards.
David Klemmer was stood down with a breach notice for verbally abusing an on-field trainer, while in the off-field realm, inappropriate remarks made by a staff member to an Indigenous reserve-grade player has shaken up internal relations.
Ponga may find himself as the second fiddle to tricolours skipper James Tedesco, who will most likely captain the side, pending who gets the nod at halfback between Cleary and Cherry-Evans.
Tom Trobjevic has indicated he is unlikely to take to the world cup stage, still recovering from shoulder surgery.
Newcastle are yet to release any form of punishment for the Ponga and the utility lock Mann, who is sidelined until round 25 with a quad scare.
