Kalyn Ponga Leads Knights to Victory After State of Origin Setback
Kalyn Ponga has shown remarkable resilience after his difficult experience in the State of Origin series, leading the Newcastle Knights to a hard-fought 28-22 win over the Parramatta Eels. Despite being fined for a grade-two shoulder charge on Tolu Koula during Origin I, Ponga displayed no signs of mental strain, delivering a typical energetic performance at McDonald Jones Stadium.
Dylan Lucas, who recently returned from State of Origin training with New South Wales, played a pivotal role for the Knights, scoring two tries and proving to be a constant threat on the left edge against Parramatta’s half Ronald Volkman. Fellow NSW Blue Jacob Saifiti also made a significant impact, adding to the team’s attacking prowess.
The Knights (8-4) have now won four consecutive matches, accumulating a total of 150 points in the process, and are currently sitting in fourth place on the ladder. This victory marked a stark contrast to their last meeting with the Eels in round 27 of the previous season, when they were comprehensively defeated 66-10. The improvement under coach Justin Holbrook has been evident.
However, the win came at a cost, as Sandon Smith was forced off the field early in the second half due to a calf injury.
Newcastle started the game strongly, with Lucas scoring just two minutes into the match after receiving a perfect pass from Smith. The Eels responded within 10 minutes when Brian Kelly, celebrating his 200th NRL game, broke through the defense to score. Greg Marzhew added another try for the home side, before Dylan Walker capitalized on a grubber kick from Tallyn Da Silva to extend the lead.
Parramatta had two opportunities to take the lead before halftime, both involving Sean Russell. The first was correctly ruled offside, while the second saw Joash Papalii break clear and throw a forward pass to his center, which was not successful.
At halftime, the Knights led 12-10. The second half began poorly for the Eels, as Newcastle’s bench hooker Harrison Graham exploited weak defense to score a 50-meter try. Both teams struggled with handling errors in the following 10 minutes, coughing up seven mistakes.
Newcastle eventually regained composure, with Lucas scoring his second try after a no-look pass from Fletcher Sharpe. The Eels refused to give up, with Volkman delivering a clever kick that allowed Jordan Samrani to score. Fletcher Hunt, who came on for Smith, crossed the line with 10 minutes remaining, but Parramatta once again fought back when Samrani intercepted a pass and Isaiah Iongi scored, creating a tense finish.
Connor Watson Joins PNG Chiefs
Roosters star Connor Watson has become the third player to sign with the Papua New Guinea Chiefs. Watson is contracted to the Roosters for next year but has been granted permission to explore other options. He will join the Chiefs on a two-year deal starting in 2028, though he is expected to seek a “gap year” at another NRL club next season.
This potential stopover is likely to be at St George Illawarra, according to sources not authorized to comment, although other clubs have also expressed interest in a 12-month term. Chiefs chief executive Lorna McPherson recently took Watson and his partner on a tour of Port Moresby to give them a sense of the lifestyle. The pair were sufficiently impressed by their experience to commit to the franchise.
Watson joins Wests Tigers co-captain Jarome Luai and record-breaking South Sydney winger Alex Johnston as high-profile Chiefs recruits. The Chiefs are expected to become a major force in the market when a number of big names become free agents in November. Several Panthers stars, including Nathan Cleary, could be among them if they do not recommit to Penrith.
Watson can play at hooker and lock, as well as cover several positions from the bench. The Chiefs believe he brings leadership qualities to the team. The Dragons have also held talks with Watson, and he is likely to join Scott Drinkwater, Keaon Koloamatangi, Luke Metcalf, and Phillip Sami as a 2027 recruit.
The Chiefs have also made a key off-field appointment, naming former NRL and Super League player Rhyse Martin as football operations manager. During his playing career, Martin represented the Bulldogs, English clubs Leeds and Hull KR, and Papua New Guinea in 18 Tests. He also captained the Kumuls.
“Rhyse has had an incredible career as a player, but he still has so much to offer the sport,” said Chiefs general manager of football Michael Chammas. “He has the trust of our coach Willie Peters from their time together at Hull KR and they will continue to work closely. Anyone who has ever met Rhyse will talk about the quality of person he is and how passionate he is about Papua New Guinea. The combination of those two things makes him such an important off-field signing.”
