Knights coach Adam O’Brien needs to ‘wait and see’ what scans reveal of Kalyn Ponga’s shoulder this week, however named a attainable substitute if want be.
The Knights’ 32-6 win over the Sharks have been Newcastle’s eight-straight victory and ensured O’Brien’s males would host a house closing in a fortnight’s time.
However, the win was overshadowed by the harm to Ponga, who left the sport after copping a heavy hit to his left shoulder.
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“Is a home final locked in?” O’Brien requested reporters in the beginning of his post-match press convention.
When advised that it was confirmed, O’Brien responded: “Yeah, great.”
“We didn’t speak about grand finals in the summer but we spoke about how good would it be to be in a home semi-final. Really proud of the boys to achieve a goal that we set a long time ago.”
O’Brien was then requested about Ponga, however wasn’t in a position to present a lot of an replace.
“I don’t (have an update). He’s in the medical room with the door shut, so I haven’t had a chance (to see him) but he’s my first point of call after this,” the Knights coach mentioned.
The Knights play the Dragons subsequent week and with a house closing already locked in, O’Brien says there’s each probability Ponga shall be given the Round 27 fixture off to get better.
Ponga injured as Knights safe finals | 02:43
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“I’ll make that decision once we know what it is. I won’t be stupid with him that’s for sure,” O’Brien mentioned.
“In terms of next week with a home semi final locked in, I don’t want to make a heap of changes either because rhythm to the team is important, but anyone that has got bumps I won’t take a risk with.”
Ponga has been the shape fullback of the competitors since transferring again to his most popular place.
He changed outgoing flyer Lachie Miller, who has been enjoying reserve grade and coping with accidents since.
Miller has additionally signed a contract with Leeds within the Super League and can depart the Knights at seasons finish, nonetheless he might get one other probability at NRL stage earlier than he jets off.
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“Lachie Miller hasn’t left us yet, so he’ll be right,” O’Brien replied when requested who will exchange Ponga.
“He’s training well, he’s been out for a couple weeks with a calf injury but the medical staff ticked him off this morning before I cam here so he’ll be the likely replacement.
“He’ll come into and do a good job.”
Source web site: www.foxsports.com.au
