By Adrian Proszenko
Kalyn Ponga will attempt to make his NRL return via Canada, where the Newcastle star will avail himself of concussion testing technology not available in Australia.
Ponga’s immediate playing future is uncertain after suffering his fourth concussion in 10 months during his side’s opening-round win over Wests Tigers. The Knights are taking every precaution with their most valuable asset and have opted to work with global specialists after consulting independent concussion consultant Professor Chris Levi.
Levi, a neurologist who has treated Boyd Cordner, Tim Glasby and many other NRL players after repeated concussions, has proposed a course of action that has resulted in Ponga and Knights chief medical officer Jin Lee leaving for Vancouver to undertake further assessments.
Ponga will undergo testing using a device that measures neurophysiological markers that will assist in decisions around his recovery.
The assessment will involve technology that is approved for use in North America, but is not yet available in Australia.
“Management of concussion is a complex issue for everyone involved, we see this an opportunity to gather additional information to assist Kalyn in his recovery,” said Newcastle director of football Peter Parr.
Kalyn Ponga leaves the field against the Tigers.Credit: Getty
“Our broader aim, under the guidance of Professor Levi, is to develop a model of care that will advance our capacity in supporting players with concussion.
“Kalyn remains in good spirits and wishes to thank everyone who has enquired about his health.”
The travel party departed Australia on Friday and will return once testing is completed.
The move comes after the NRL implemented a mandatory 11-day stand-down period for any player diagnosed with a brain injury to safeguard participants, just as the AFL prepares to face a class action over its handling of concussions.
NRL CEO Andrew Abdo offered his support to Ponga.
“The NRL is supportive of any positive steps taken by clubs to optimise the clinical assessment and recovery of players diagnosed with a concussion,” Abdo said. “We applaud the Newcastle Knights club and the Knights chief medical officer for their efforts in seeking out new technology and international expertise to assist in monitoring Kalyn Ponga’s brain activity and to guide Kalyn’s clinicians as they manage his recovery.
“This technology is not currently available in Australia and the NRL will closely monitor the outcomes. The NRL and all NRL clubs are aligned in ensuring the game remains at the forefront of medical and technological advancement in these matters.”
Speaking to the Herald earlier this month, Levi said — without specifically referring to Ponga’s situation due to doctor-patient confidentiality — that other players who have suffered the same number of concussions as the Knights star had successfully returned to the sport.
“During the recent era, there have been instances of players who have rehabilitated well, have made some adjustments and have then had a relatively clean and clear subsequent season or two or three beyond a bad run,” Levi said at the time.
“I think it is premature to be speculating about such things in the situation of any player. There are a number of players in the competition who have been in similar situations over the past four or five years.
“It’s just that Kalyn is a very high-profile person and obviously [the media] and fans are interested in it. I think you need to keep it in proportion.
“Having said that, I think there’s a need to be vigilant and careful and involve Kalyn in all decisions. That’s the situation.”
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