Kalyn Ponga makes huge Origin statement in crucial Knights win

Kalyn Ponga has timed his run to perfection with a stellar showing for the Knights just weeks out from the State of Origin opener.

NEWCASTLE, AUSTRALIA - MAY 14: Kalyn Ponga of the Knights passes during the round 11 NRL match between Newcastle Knights and Gold Coast Titans at McDonald Jones Stadium on May 14, 2023 in Newcastle, Australia. (Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)

Kalyn Ponga has made a major statement weeks out from State of Origin, steering Newcastle to a 46-26 win over the Gold Coast Titans on Sunday.

Both teams scored two tries each in the first half but Ponga shifted the momentum in Newcastle’s favour when his kick set up Tyson Frizell for a try on the stroke of halftime.

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From that point it was an absolute clinic from Ponga and the Knights, who crossed for six tries in the second half.

Ponga set up Bradman Best for a four-pointer before he crossed for a try of his own with a brilliant dummy and piece of individual brilliance.

He answered his critics and those directed at coach Adam O’Brien with an inspiring second-half display.

It will now take a brave Billy Slater to pick Reece Walsh ahead of Ponga as Queensland’s fullback for State of Origin I on May 31.

Fair to say Ponga looks like he’s ready for Origin #NRL

— QUENTIN HULL (@QuentinHull) May 14, 2023

Ponga staring at that QLD #1 jersey like...#NRLKnightsTitanspic.twitter.com/dTwLvIcF63

— Roast (@thenrlroast) May 14, 2023

Newcastle’s haul of 46 points was the side’s largest score in a game since 2013.

Kalyn Ponga has one hand on Queensland’s No. 1 jersey. (Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)

The Titans’ best highlight came when David Fifita showed off his massive engine, running 90 metres to score in the corner in the 70th minute.

The hulking forward crossed for two tries in a reminder he is primed to be picked in Queensland’s starting team for State of Origin Game I.

It was perhaps no coincidence that several players in contention for Origin selection produced strong performances.

Frizell is set to be recalled to NSW’s forward pack, while even Dane Gagai popped up for a try to remind Queensland selectors he’s not done yet.

It was a spirited second 40 minutes from the home side and a disappointing one from Gold Coast, as the Knights snapped a two-game losing streak and dashed the Titans’ hopes of adding a third consecutive win to their impressive 2023 resume.

Dane Gagai and Tyson Frizell pressed their Origin cases. (Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)

Much of the post-match talk will focus on Ponga’s best performance at five-eighth for the Knights, as well as a tackle that saw Gold Coast captain Tino Fa’asuamaleaui leave the field with a lower leg injury.

Late in the first-half, Tyson Frizell launched towards the Titans’ captain’s legs as two Newcastle defenders worked the upper body and Fa’asuamaleaui looked in immediate trouble. Frizell was placed on report and the incident reminded everyone that there are plenty of variations of the so-called hip-drop to be concerned about.

Fa’asuamaleaui appears to have escaped serious injury.

David Fifita had another strong outing. (Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)

With the Titans ahead 18-12 and looking likely winners, Ponga exploded.

He played a key role in four second-half tries that had the home side out of sight within the blink of an eye. Across a 15 minute period, the Knights went from deficit to advantage; holding a 16 point lead heading into the final ten minutes.

Even a frantic counterpunch from the Titans was not enough, with Young’s late, length of the field try completing the scoring and silencing those who felt the Knights were not serious in 2023 after their much publicised trip to Bali during Magic Round.

Midweek criticism looked foolish after Ponga produced a masterclass against an impressive and seemingly finals bound Titans.

The Newcastle captain said post-game: “Today I just focused on being free and taking opportunities.”

The Knights grabbed their fourth win of the season and the Titans blew a chance to move deep into the top eight with two points that they will now feel have been let slip.

— With NCA NewsWire