Adam O’Brien says he has considerations over Kalyn Ponga’s long-term future and might perceive why individuals need his star participant to return to fullback, however the Knights coach says he’ll depart it to the medical consultants earlier than he feedback additional.
Ponga suffered his fourth concussion previously 10 months whereas making an attempt to make a deal with within the second minute of final week’s gritty win over the Wests Tigers.
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It’s the newest in a string of head knocks that finally ended his 2022 season prematurely when the Knights determined to take a security first method with their most necessary participant.
O’Brien stated Ponga and his household had been “in good spirits” and he needed to let Professor Chris Levi deal with it earlier than he made any calls on when his five-eighth may return.
There has been a push from among the main voices within the sport to maneuver Ponga again to fullback for his personal security, however as O’Brien identified, this was his first concussion defending within the entrance line after a number of head knocks on the again final 12 months.
It’s why he’s resultant to make any positional selections proper now, though he was fast to reward the NRL for introducing a compulsory 11-day stand-down coverage for concussed gamers.
“I completely understand where people are coming from. Ultimately, everyone wants Kalyn in the game, and everyone wants to take care of this guy,” O’Brien replied when requested about transferring Ponga to fullback.
“He’s got a lot of life to lead yet, so that’s first and foremost. But there are a number of conversations that will need to be had, but we’re nowhere near that point yet.”
The Knights coach was additionally requested whether or not he feared for Ponga’s long-term well being after his newest head knock.
“Of course, I’m a human being. I’m not just talking about his footy future,” he stated.
“It’s not a good look what you saw on the weekend, but there are a number of things to be talked about. That’s his first one in the front line – the concussions he had last year were at fullback.
“It’s in the hands of someone that’s way smarter than me. Until we get to that, there’s no point commenting any further.”
Ponga, in the meantime, took to social media on Thursday with a heart-felt submit that appeared to recommend he was resigned to the actual fact there was uncertainty over his taking part in future.
“Appreciate all the love and support over the past couple of days,” Ponga wrote on Instagram.
“Whatever will be, will be.
“Appreciate you guys though, thank you xx.”
The Knights have been pressured into a number of main adjustments, with Jayden Brailey (concussion), Jacob Saifiti (suspension) and Tyson Frizell (foot) becoming a member of Ponga on the sidelines for Friday’s dwelling sport towards the unbeaten Dolphins.
“I’m getting pretty used to it over the past few years in terms of missing personnel,” O’Brien stated.
Source web site: www.foxsports.com.au
