Kalyn Ponga overcomes groin injury for Knights as the Maroons await

Star fullback Kalyn Ponga has overcome his groin injury and is a certain starter for Newcastle’s clash against North Queensland on Saturday as he faces a Origin return.

Ponga hasn’t played for the Knights since round 9 against Canberra, but coach Adam O’Brien declared he is fit for the crucial Cowboys clash.

“KP got through and he trained really well,” O’Brien said.

“It is great to have him back.”

Ponga’s return will allow Newcastle to field its best spine for some time alongside halves Mitchell Pearce and Jake Clifford and hooker Jayden Brailey.

O’Brien is pumped to have his stars back on deck, but he wants the entire team to step up in a vital game against the Cowboys.

The Knights have the bye next weekend, so the coach understands the value of winning to climb the ladder.

“This spine is probably the strongest we’ve had since round 2 last year, so things are looking up as long as we understand the importance that it isn’t just up to the spine to perform,” he said.

“It is a really important game for us given we’ve got a bye coming up after this, so it is a four-point game.”

In a huge boost for Queensland, Ponga could also be available for the Maroons as they look avoid a series clean sweep in Game 3.

Star fullback Kalyn Ponga has overcome his groin injury and is a certain starter for Newcastle’s clash against North Queensland on Saturday as he faces a Origin return. Picture: Josh Woning.Source:News Corp Australia

O’Brien, though, is focused on his marquee fullback performing strongly for the Knights.

“I haven’t even thought about it,” he said about Ponga playing Origin.

“I’m just worried about us, and we will cross that bridge when come to it.”

The 12th placed Knights remain in the mix for the finals despite their inconsistent season to date.

The current logjam on the ladder certainly gives O’Brien hope that anything is possible for Newcastle.

“There is a lot of congestion there from seventh position through to about fourteenth,” he said.

“So, we need to focus on the Cowboys, then we’ll have another week off before another game against Melbourne.

“We’ve got to keep putting in strong performances that are going to put us in good stead for the back end of the year.”

O’Brien confirmed he will start Blues prop Daniel Saifiti will start in the front-row against the Cowboys after starring for NSW in Origin 2.

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