kalyn ponga KO concussion newcastle knights vs wests tigers how many concussions fourth KO in 10 months future cooper cronk
Knights superstar Kalyn Ponga was knocked out less than 90 seconds after his side’s clash against the Wests Tigers at the Leichhardt Oval.
Ponga tried to attack Asu Kepaoa up front but a head-collision with the Tigers forward seemed to shake the Newcastle No6 before he even touched the ground.
Tigers players immediately called for help after the incident that occurred on the fourth tackle of the Knights’ first set of defenses in the game.
It is the 24-year-old’s fourth concussion in 10 months.
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“Oh no, Ponga got knocked out,” Andrew Voss said on Fox League.
“Kepaoa ran right into Ponga. That’s a sensation. Kalyn Ponga hits the deck and it’s just a matter of turning off the lights. My goodness.
“He ran up, Ponga, and bang. It will certainly be the last we see of him today.”
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It took less than two minutes for Newcastle officials to confirm Ponga’s game was over and the strike was classified as Category One by doctors.
“He also has a history of concussions, Kalyn Ponga,” Cooper Cronk said.
“First and foremost check on his welfare but in the context of this afternoon’s game, that’s big news. Not even two minutes.”
After the duel, silence reigned over the Leichhardt Oval and Voss wondered how Ponga should continue.
“It’s overwhelming, it’s dramatic. Independent doctor no matter what, it’s going to go in category one you would think. What a sensation in the first minute of the game,” said Voss.
“Where for Kalyn Ponga? It’s such a worrying story for him in rugby league that no one takes pleasure in it.
“Tiger fans who came here today were excited to see Ponga play.”
Knights utility Tyson Gamble replaced Ponga but Cronk questioned whether Newcastle could win without their best player.
“Kalyn Ponga, a star of our competition, also had some top-notch touches last week against the Warriors,” Cronk said.
“He’s a big influence Kalyn Ponga, he’s one of those guys who, when you lace up your boots and put on your mouthguard before the game, has presence and influence and his ability on the field rivals the best.
“How are the knights reacting now? Under the pressure of a poor performance last week and now without Ponga, this game has tremendous context early on.
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