Sport Confidential: Kalyn Ponga’s season over, Jackson Hastings pays tribute to mum after tragic death
A shattered Kalyn Ponga has undergone surgery on a foot injury that will sideline him for the rest of the season – unless Newcastle make a remarkable late charge and qualify for the finals.
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A shattered Kalyn Ponga has undergone surgery on a foot injury that will sideline him for the rest of the season – unless Newcastle make a remarkable late charge and qualify for the finals.
Ponga told Sport Confidential that he was gutted at the outcome, having injured the foot in the Knights’ loss to Canberra last weekend.
The injury not only prematurely ended his season with the Knights, but cost him the chance to play for Queensland in the final game of the State of Origin series.
Ponga was a pivotal figure in the opening two games of the series but Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow will wear the No.1 jersey at Accor Stadium as the series goes on the line.
“Obviously disappointing and gutted I’ll potentially miss out on the rest of the year but it is what it is now,” Ponga said.
Ponga’s absence comes as the Knights also deal with the devastating injuries suffered by his deputy Fletcher Sharpe in Perth. Sharpe suffered a lacerated kidney and ruptured spleen, injuries which are set to sideline him for an extended period.
Fletcher Hunt is favoured to wear the No.1 jersey in their absence, although the Knights also have NSW under 19 fullback Connor Votano in their ranks.
Votano has been a fixture in the Knights’ NSW Cup side this season.
HASTINGS’ HEARTFELT TRIBUTE TO MUM
Newcastle half Jackson Hastings has paid a heartfelt tribute to his mother Megan, describing her as his rock, set friend and No.1 supporter after her shock passing.
Hastings posted an emotional message on social media along with pictures of Megan, the woman who was by his side during a rugby league journey that has endured its share of potholes.
“To my beautiful mother, my rock, my number one supporter, the best nanny ever, and best dog parent anyone could ever ask for I thank you.
“I can’t believe I’m actually sitting here writing this in utter shock and absolute heart break, simply the day no one ever wants to come I’ve lost a complete half of me,” Hastings wrote.
“Megsy I thank you for everything I’m the luckiest kid on earth to of had you as my mother for 29 whole years.
“You had nothing but gave me and the girls absolutely everything. You are a warrior and my hero I always had and always will look up to you mum.
“You were my harshest critic, my biggest fan, my best friend and the one and only person I’d want to cry too.
“You’re the reason I’ve been successful, you’re the reason I’m the brother I am, partner I am, dad I am and hopefully the best son I could have possibly been.
“Not a day has or will go by without me thinking of you. You’ve made me so f..king proud. Your fight, resilience and work ethic is a testament to who you are as a woman and that woman being my super mum!
“I love you so much, I have done and would do anything all over again just to see a smile on your face and give you a hug one more time.
“Life will never ever be the same again.”
The Knights have the bye this weekend.
BENNETT: WHY I’LL STICK WITH, BUT NOT PICK, $2M BUNNY
Wayne Bennett has denied that Lewis Dodd has fallen out of favour at the club and says his future at South Sydney remains in his own hands after meeting with the English half last week.
The upshot is that Dodd won’t be forced out of the Rabbitohs. He won’t be sent back to the Ron Massey Cup or the Sydney Shield in a bid to freeze him out and force his hand.
Dodd will be given every chance to show the ability that convinced Souths to spend upwards of $2 million to lure him to the NRL.
Bennett and Dodd met last week to discuss the landscape at Souths, the latest of several conversations between the coach and his English star this season.
Sport Confidential understands that Bennett made it clear in the meeting with Dodd that he would get an opportunity provided he showcased the ability that made him a star in Super League.
The ball is in Dodd’s court.
“We have had conversations and I have told him where he is at and what the opportunities are going forward at Souths,” Bennett said.
“It all comes back (showing) to his ability.”
Dodd has had a tough start to life at Souths. The latest setback came this week when he was overlooked for the starting side despite the likely absence of Cody Walker and the club’s stuttering form.
That prompted suggestions that Dodd was on borrowed time at the club but Bennett hasn’t put a line through the English playmaker.
Dodd just needs to show he belongs, something he hasn’t been able to do in his three previous appearances in the NRL.
Dodd played off the interchange each in losses to the Bulldogs and Storm before starting at five-eighth against Newcastle in another lopsided defeat but has largely been overlooked despite South Sydney’s ongoing injury run.
He has made another 10 appearances in the NSW Cup, scored one try and had seven try assists. His future at the club was even more clouded this week when this masthead revealed that Souths had signed St George Illawarra half Jonah Glover for next season.
Glover has been a star in the Dragons’ NSW Cup side. While Souths won’t force Dodd out, the Englishman may yet decide to explore his options at the end of the season if he can’t find a way to crack the Rabbitohs starting side.
FLASHBACK
This cool photo of David Klemmer graced the backpage on this day 10 years ago. Klemmer was pictured as an 11-year-old budding softball star well before he switched to rugby league. The story camp out while Klemmer was in camp preparing for the Blues’ Origin decider at Suncorp Stadium.
ELIGIBILITY OVERHAUL
The tiered international system could be scrapped for the women’s game which could see stars switch between representing Australia, New Zealand or England.
The Jillaroos embarrassing 90-4 thumping of England in Las Vegas earlier this year has prompted the International Rugby League to explore the prospect of revamping the eligibility criteria for the women’s game.
The development of the NRLW competition sees the gap between Australia and New Zealand widen compared to other countries. This potential rule change would see players a better contest in the international game.
It would allow the likes of Jasmin Strange and Jocelyn Kelleher to represent England but not let it impact their Australian eligibility. Strange could represent Australia, England or New Zealand.
IRL Chairman Troy Grant confirmed that he was exploring a potential change.
“Yes I’ve been asked whether a review of the tiering system for women would could or should be reviewed,” Grant said. “It’s a matter for the board but unlike the men with the women’s game in its infancy and the growth potential being so enormous tiering restrictions for women may hold the games growth back in an unintended consequence way.”
The tiering system is not for on field performance but rather for off field domestic governance participation and growth of the game domestically in each country.
“There are some quality NRLW dual eligible players that could boost the English and other northern hemisphere sides especially leading up to the World Cup in 2026 quickly
followed by their stand-alone World Cup in 2028.
“Samoa and Tonga have quickly improved on the back of NRLW.
“New Zealand, Fiji PNG and Cook Islands also benefit from this professional competition.
“I think there’s absolute merit and I will take the issue to our next board meeting with my support for the removal of the tiering for women to help spread the talent pool and contribute to the ongoing growth of the women’s game.
“The board together will then determine which way we go.”
The board are expected to meet before August.
COWBOYS POACH ROOSTERS RISING STAR
North Queensland have swooped on one of the most promising young playmakers in the game after signing Tyson Walker, the younger brother of Sydney Roosters sensation Sam Walker.
Tyson Walker was a member of the Roosters side that won the SG Ball grand final this year, playing alongside Toby Rodwell in the halves.
However, the logjam in the halves at the Roosters convinced Tyson Walker to join the Cowboys. The Roosters have stockpiled a handful of rugby league’s emerging playmaking stars led by Rodwell
With Sam Walker sidelined with injury for much of the season, Sandon Smith and Hugo Savala have held the for in the halves.
The club also has Rodwell and Jake Elliott on their books as part of their current top 30 squad while Manly captain Daly Cherry-Evans is expected to join the Roosters next season.
Tyson Walker had another year remaining on his deal with the Roosters.
PANTHER CUB COULD BE ON THE MOVE
Former schoolboys star Harrison Hassett made his first grade debut with the Panthers earlier this year but he could be on the move as he prepares to test himself on the open market along with Mavrik Geyer, the son of Penrith legend Mark Geyer.
Hassett and Geyer are both off contract at the end of the year. Hassett opted to stay at Penrith two years ago despite significant interest from the Dolphins at the time.
He was rewarded with a taste of first grade earlier this year and it is believed the Panthers are keen to keep him. However, Sport Confidential understands that he and Geyer have appeared on the radar of rival clubs in recent weeks.
SOUTHS STADIUM BATTLE SET TO EXPLODE
South Sydney’s spat with Venues NSW is set to flare again after the Rabbitohs made an application with the government to access any correspondence created or held in relation to the club’s potential relocation to Allianz Stadium.
Sport Confidential has seen the application, which was lodged on June 24 and specifically requests financial details behind the claim that Souths’ return to Allianz Stadium would cost Venues NSW up to $14m per annum.
The application requests any briefings, reports, presentations, financial assessments or cost-benefit analyses that assesses or refers to the financial, commercial, or contractual implications of the Rabbitohs moving to Allianz Stadium.
It requests similar documentation in relation to the impact on Accor Stadium revenue or operations as well as changes to stadium agreements or tenancy arrangements involving the Rabbitohs, Allianz Stadium, or Accor Stadium.
Further, the Rabbitohs have applied for any internal or ministerial briefing notes, cabinet notes, or talking points prepared or by Venues NSW about the proposed move.
It goes on to request any correspondence or documentation between Venues NSW and South Sydney, the Minister for Sport, the Premier’s Office, the Sydney Cricket Ground Trust, the ARL Commission and Racing NSW.
Venues NSW and the state government have refused to endorse Souths’ request to return to Allianz Stadium, citing among other things the financial ramifications the move would have on their bottom line.
Souths have been told that a Rabbitohs switch would cost Venues NSW anywhere from $4.5 million to $14 million. Souths have asked for details of the claim but they have now formalised the request in their official application for information.
NFL STARS TO ATTEND ORIGIN III
Two Las Vegas Raiders players – including Australian Laki Tasi – will be at Origin III on Wednesday where they will also present the shield.
Tasi and Jackson Powers-Johnson will undertake some promotional duties ahead of the NRL returning to Las Vegas next year to kickstart the season. The Raiders have also been awarded rights to the Australian market as part of the NFL’s global markets program.
Tasi played rugby league and union after growing up in Queensland. He switched to American football and competed in the NFL’s international pathway program. Tasi, who has moved from defensive tackle to offensive guard. He signed with the Raiders as an undrafted free agent this year.
Powers-Johnson, a centre, was drafted by the Raiders in the second round in 2024. He played 15 games with 14 starts as a rookie.
SON OF A GUN TURNING HEADS
Cruz Morris, the son of NRL 300-gamer John Morris, is starting to make his own mark on the footy field after he was selected in the NSW under-15 CHS team. Cruz is already attracting the interest of a host of NRL clubs as he looks to follow in his dads footsteps.
The pair could be the next father-son coaching and playing combination. The rising star is a fullback who plays for the Maroubra Lions in the Sydney metro combined competition.
TSZYU BACKS BLUES IN ORIGIN DECIDER
Tim Tszyu will settle into his Las Vegas digs this weekend ahead of his July 19 rematch with Sebastian Fundora
The first point of order: Figuring out how to watch this Wednesday’s State of Origin decider.
The game will kick off at 3am Vegas time and while Tszyu will be just 10 days away from the biggest fight of his life, he might have to set an early alarm.
“It’s not the best time, it’s early, but we might have to wake up,” Tszyu said before flying out. “That deserves it. It’s Origin and it’s a decider as well.” The diehard Blues fan doesn’t hesitate when asked for a prediction.
“New South Wales, of course,” he said. “We were coming back in game two, it was just the goalkicking.
“Hopefully Nathan Cleary’s back and his groin is all right.”
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