‘Utterly wrong’: Kalyn Ponga dragged off in controversial scenes

Newcastle Knights co-captain Kalyn Ponga has been dragged from the field in scenes that left the entire league perplexed.

Kalyn Ponga couldn't believe it. Photo: Fox Sports

Kalyn Ponga's first match as a five-eighth has ended prematurely as his Newcastle Knights lost 20-12 to the New Zealand Warriors in Wellington.

It was a back and forth game that could have been anyone’s with 12 minutes to go as the Warriors led 14-12 when Ponga was sent from the field for a rather innocuous HIA.

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The Knights co-captain ran in to dive on the ball but was knocked down by Warriors prop Addin Fonua-Blake.

Ponga grabbed his head but bounced straight back to his feet, walking back to the line.

But Ponga was taken off the field for a HIA by the independent doctor.

Ponga was far from thrilled about being taken from the field with 12 minutes to go and two points in the game but angrily turned.

Warren Smith on Fox Sports said: “This is an issue given his problems last year.

“That’s the independent doctor being very aware of what happened in 2022 with Kalyn Ponga.

“That’s a massive, massive blow for the Knights.”

Ponga was sidelined for the remainder of the 2022 season when he was concussed three times in six weeks.

Ponga was stunned. Photo: Fox Sports

But fans weren’t thrilled by the decision.

Newscorp’s Brent Read tweeted: “Gutsy by the Warriors but gees that was a big call with Ponga. Going to get some airtime and column inches in next day or so.”

The Daily Mail’s Ben Talintyre wrote: “Ponga being made to take a HIA with 10 to go and 2 points down is utterly wrong”.

NRL reporter Brett Keeble added: “If Ponga was allowed to stay on they could’ve scored a matchwinner. Hopefully they can make the necessary improvements against Wests Tigers on Sunday week. Would hate to see them 0-2 heading into first home game against Wayne & the Dolphins in 2 weeks.”

Equally, Ponga was fuming.

“It will be interesting to see their take on it, I have been knocked out before and definitely wasn’t in any state,” Ponga said.

“I couldn’t believe it, 10 minutes to go, game on the line, I am literally fine, I think there’s an assessment that normally goes on but I got taken off by an independent doctor.

“It caught me by surprise, I said to the ref ‘I’m not going off’, but it’s not his call, it is someone in a box.”

Coach Adam O’Brien said the Bunker was “jumping at shadows”.

“There was a minute to go, so it ruled him out of the game,” O’Brien said.

“But he was unaware of any incident, like he said, he knows what they feel like.

“And we’ve worked really hard, he has to get himself back in the game and now we are jumping at shadows to get him out of the game, I don’t get it.”

The Knights were attacking the line at the time and despite a pair of six agains, the visitors were denied after an early kick was defused by the Warriors.

But the killer blow was with six minutes left when Warriors hooker Wayde Egan burrowed over to seal the win.

Ponga’s first match at five-eighth was strong solid as he ran 100 as well as providing a line-break assist and a try assist.

After just seven try assists last season, it was positive signs.

However, the Knights hadn’t yet gelled with their spin as Lachie Miller at fullback and halfback Jackson Hastings played their first regular season matches for the club.

“It's our first game as spine together, it’s only going to get better and it’s only going to grow,” Ponga said.

The Warriors are back home. Photo by Hagen Hopkins/Getty Images

However, it was great from the Warriors, who claimed their first win under new coach Andrew Webster.

And in front of a strong crowd in Wellington, which is not the side’s traditional home, it was good to see the Warriors back home.

The signing of former Raider Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad was also great for the Warriors, impressing Fox League’s Shane Flanagan on club debut.

“The Warriors fullback has been outstanding,” Flanagan said.

“In games like this you’ve got to win the big moments and the Warriors fullback has won two big ones.”

Originally published as ‘Utterly wrong’: Kalyn Ponga dragged off in controversial scenes