Knights Captain Faces Modified Training Program
Newcastle Knights have confirmed a significant pre-season setback with star fullback and captain Kalyn Ponga requiring a modified training program and occasional use of a protective moon boot. The club announced on Tuesday, November 25, 2025, that Ponga will not complete full training with the NRL squad until the new year.
Managing Lisfranc Injury Recovery
The decision comes as the Knights take a cautious approach to the Lisfranc injury Ponga sustained late in the 2025 season. Club officials emphasized their measured strategy for the complex foot injury, with the protective boot being used to manage foot soreness and optimize recovery. Ponga returned to training last week and even won a club fitness test alongside Dylan Lucas, who suffered the same injury around the same time last season.
Despite his modified program, the 27-year-old captain expressed optimism about his condition when speaking to media at an open training session in Raymond Terrace on Saturday, November 22. "I feel good," Ponga stated. "Obviously the body's right. I had some time off in the off-season to get the mind right. Just hungry and I want to play my best footy."
Impact on Knights' Pre-Season Plans
This development presents an immediate challenge for new Knights coach Justin Holbrook, who already faces a compressed pre-season schedule. The Knights have the earliest start to the 2026 NRL season, scheduled to face the Cowboys in Las Vegas on March 1 as part of the league's international opening round.
The timing is particularly concerning given several other key players remain absent from training. International representatives including Dylan Brown, Phoenix Crossland, Bradman Best and Dominic Young are still on their off-season breaks and won't return until mid-December. Fletcher Sharpe, who serves as Newcastle's backup fullback, was already slated for reduced duties during the first month of pre-season due to serious internal injuries suffered last season.
New recruits Trey Mooney and Peter Hola were set to join training this week, adding to the reshaped squad dynamics. The halves combination remains uncertain, with Brown expected to partner either Sandon Smith or Fletcher Sharpe once all players return to full training.
The club maintains confidence that Ponga will resume full training in early 2026, giving him limited time to prepare for the demanding season opener in the United States.
