‘He’s keen to play’: Kalyn Ponga no certainty to face the Dragons as Knights superstar braces for three games in eight days

Superstar fullback Kalyn Ponga has declared he’s keen to play, but Newcastle Knights coach Adam O’Brien isn’t ready to make a definitive call on his availability for Friday’s clash against the Dragons just 48 hours after the Origin opener.

Ponga was one of many Queensland players to be kept quiet at Suncorp Stadium on Wednesday night, with the representative fullback flying down to Sydney where he wants to take his place at the back against a team just two points ahead of them on the ladder.

“I spoke to him this morning and he’s keen to play,” O’Brien said.

“Those guys, especially after a loss, they want to get back out there straight away.

“It’s important that I meet him this afternoon down in Sydney and get eyes on him and work out what’s right for him, but also what’s right for us given the fact that we trained without him all week and some guys got the job done last week.

“There are a few things to consider, but first and foremost I want to make sure that he’s healthy.

“He’ll play a big part in the decision whether he’ll play or not. He’s got no pressure from me.”

Fletcher Sharpe will shift to fullback if the Knights decide to rest Ponga, with Newcastle in action again next Thursday when they host the Sea Eagles.

Sharpe was phenomenal in their much-needed win over the Panthers in Bathurst and is ready to light it up at the back again if required.

“If Kalyn doesn’t play, naturally ‘Sharpey’ will go back there,” his coach said.

“Until I see him this afternoon, I won’t know. Any team that’s got Kalyn Ponga in it, it gives you a better chance of winning.

“But at the same time, I’m mindful that he played last night. Fullbacks cover a fair bit of ground and we’ve got a short turnaround next week so it’ll end up being three games in eight days. There’s a bit to factor in.”

The Knights are enjoying a more relaxed week after the pressure on the team was eased with their win over the undermanned premiers.

And while O’Brien has enjoyed the positive vibes around town, he knows his side must move on to their next challenge against a Dragons side that always lifts at home.

“It was great to see smiles on the players’ faces and good to see some people in coffee shops around town a bit happier with us,” he said.

“It was a bit of relief but a bit of confirmation that if we can hang onto the footy and play a certain style, we’re a pretty effective footy team.

“That’s done now and we need to go and recreate it.”