NRL 2021: Newcastle Knights win 38-0 over Cowboys | Match Report

His return has given Newcastle a huge boost. Could Kalyn Ponga’s magic also rub off on Queensland and help prevent an Origin series clean sweep?

NEWCASTLE, AUSTRALIA - JULY 03: Kalyn Ponga of the Knights in action during the round 16 NRL match between the Newcastle Knights and the North Queensland Cowboys at McDonald Jones Stadium, on July 03, 2021, in Newcastle, Australia. (Photo by Ashley Feder/Getty Images)

Kalyn Ponga wants to save Queensland the embarrassment of a series wipeout after declaring himself ready to go for Origin III following a two-year absence from the Maroons.

Ponga starred in his comeback match for Newcastle on Saturday night, guiding the Knights to an impressive 38-0 win over North Queensland before attention turned to Origin.

The superstar fullback copped a neck injury late in the game – courtesy of a crusher tackle that landed Queensland team-mate Val Holmes on report - but will line-up for the Maroons on July 14.

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Kalyn Ponga had too much class for the Cowboys.

After watching the Blues secure the series with back-to-back wins, Ponga is determined to play his part in avoiding a 3-0 loss.

“Obviously NSW have wrapped it up, but for Queensland it’s about not letting them have too much of a party,” he said.

“It is tough to watch that and the way it unfolded (and) I want to go there and put my best foot forward and do the state and jersey proud.”

Injury has restricted Ponga to just three Origin appearances since his debut in 2018, but he insists the latest neck problem won’t be an issue.

“It’s pretty stiff at the moment but it’s fine,” he said.

“I’ll be sweet (for Origin). It doesn’t feel like there’s anything too wrong.

“I’m pretty happy with how I felt out there.”

Ponga racked up 161 run metres, three tackle busts, a line break, two try assists and two tries in his return against the Cowboys.

Knights fullback Kalyn Ponga a victim of potential crusher tackle from Cowboys’ Valentine Holmes.

His presence – along with Mitchell Pearce’s recent return – has revived the Knights’ season.

“It’s massive (having him back). Not only what he gives us in the games but what he gives us all week at training,” Newcastle coach Adam O’Brien said of Ponga.

“He’s got that steely edge. He doesn’t accept sub-standard performances. He pulls guys up and is a leader for us.

“Everyone is more confident when you’ve got him out there.”

Demolition round: Knights continue weekend of blowouts

Newcastle superstar Kalyn Ponga declared himself a certain starter for Origin III despite being the victim of a nasty crusher tackle that could cost Queensland teammate Valentine Holmes his place.

Ponga left the field with four minute to go in the Knights’ 38-0 win over Cowboys on Saturday night, clutching at his neck after being hit awkwardly in a tackle by Holmes at McDonalds Jones Stadium.

The brilliant No.1 will have the injury checked out but appeared confident of lining up for Queensland in the dead rubber against NSW on July 14.

“It’s a bit stiff at the moment but I will put ice on it and I’ll be alright,” he said.

“Hopefully I will be out there (for Queensland).”

Holmes may not be so fortunate.

He was placed on report and could miss Origin if charged.

“It was one of the more dangerous ones (crusher tackles) I’ve seen. It was ugly,” Fox Sports’ commentator Braith Anasta declared.

Ponga is what Tom Trbojevic is to Manly or James Tedesco to the Roosters – and he took just three minutes to remind the Knights – and Queensland - what they’ve been missing, torching North Queensland in his return.

Playing his first game in two months after a long injury lay-off, Ponga scored Newcastle’s opening try in the third minute and backed it up with a second just before the half-hour mark as the home side recorded a vital win.

After losing four of six games in his absence, the Knights all of a sudden have a top eight look about them with Ponga in the No.1 and Mitchell Pearce returning to his best after his own injury break.

The return of Kalyn Ponga was a blessing for the Knights, recording back-to-back wins for the second time this season. Picture: Getty Images.

Newcastle is a different side with Ponga at the back, his impact on a game and the confidence his gives his side the equal to the competition’s other premier No.1s.

He finished with 161 run metres, three tackle busts, a line break, two try assists and two tries.

His successful return is also good news for the Maroons, who desperately need some attacking spark after scoring just six points in back-to-back Origin losses to the white-hot Blues.

All his class and skill was on show at the hour mark, taking the ball 35m out and gliding through the North Queensland defence with a mix of footwork, speed and agility before sending winger Dominic Young over with a neat inside ball.

He backed it up with a clever cross field kick for Young to collect his double 10 minutes from time.

The Cowboys struggled against Newcastle, and with a tough upcoming schedule could be in danger of missing finals yet again. Picture: Getty Images.

With their key attacking weapons back, Newcastle promised to release the handbrake and go full tilt for the top eight by reinvigorating their attack.

That backed words with actions, scoring early through Ponga via a spilt bomb and extending their lead in the 14th minute when Pearce presented Jacob Saifiti with a passage to the line.

Connor Watson and Ponga added tries within two minutes of each other, helping the Knights ease out to a 22-0 halftime lead.

Ponga added two try assists and another try to his personal stats as the Knights cleared away in the second half to complete a comfortable win.

They move into ninth position on the competition ladder.

The Cowboys were never in the contest, failing to land a single blow.

With Sydney in lockdown it was good to see a crowd at Newcastle. Picture: Getty Images.

Pearce in our time

I‘m here if you need me.

That seemed to be the message veteran Mitchell Pearce was sending NSW coach Brad Fittler as the Blues boss searches for two new halves for Origin III.

Penrith duo Nathan Cleary and Jarome Luai will miss the match through injury, with Freddy sifting through a host of options.

Mitchell Moses appears to be just in front of Adam Reynolds for the No.7 jersey, while Jack Wighton looms as the likely No.6.

But Pearce has been there and done it at Origin level and would be a safe bet should Fittler wish to dig his number out.

The Newcastle No.7 was just behind Ponga as Newcastle best against the Cowboys, with Jake Clifford a steadying influence at five-eighth.

Utility Connor Watson finished with a try double.