Newcastle Knights captain Kalyn Ponga is still recovering from a foot injury sustained six months ago and is currently using a protective “moon boot.” Despite this setback, Ponga is confident he will be fit for the season-opening match against North Queensland in Las Vegas on March 1, 2024.
Ponga was on the sidelines as he observed teammate Dylan Brown during an open training session, which attracted hundreds of enthusiastic fans. Coach Justin Holbrook will need to wait until after the Christmas-New Year break to establish a play-making partnership with Brown, a highly anticipated collaboration given both players’ talents.
In a brief update on his recovery from a Lisfranc rupture in his left foot, which required surgery in July, Ponga stated, “It’s going good. It looks worse than what it is. It’s just locking me down for now, but I’ll be right for Vegas in round one, which is the main thing. Hopefully two more weeks, three more weeks, and I’ll be back on my feet.”
Modified Training Program in Effect
Currently, Ponga is not engaged in full training, although Knights officials have indicated he is on a “modified” training program. They remain optimistic about his availability for the pre-season trials against St George Illawarra on February 7 and Canterbury on February 14.
The Knights released a statement emphasizing a cautious approach to Ponga’s recovery, given the complexity of his injury. “The club has continued to take a measured approach, given the nature of the injury. As part of his management plan, he will use a protective boot at times to assist with foot soreness and ensure his ongoing recovery is optimized.”
Ponga’s lengthy recovery period has raised eyebrows, especially considering the initial optimism surrounding his injury when it occurred during a match against Canberra on June 27, 2023. At that time, the club expressed hope that he could return to play later in the season.
As the Knights prepare for the upcoming season, fans and teammates alike will be keeping a close eye on Ponga’s progress, eager to see him back in action.
