The shark bite injury sustained by second-rower Kai Pearce-Paul during Newcastle Knights’ 36-16 victory over South Sydney on Saturday night has sickened coach Adam O’Brien.
Kalyn Ponga’s outstanding effort keeps the Knights in the running to advance to the NRL finals, but they might have to play their next game or two without a crucial player.
After being sent to the hospital during the game due to a significant cut on his shin, Pearce-Paul was hurried into surgery to seal the wound. Pearce-Paul’s shin was scratched by a boot stud.
I nearly croaked when I saw the picture of it at the time. According to O’Brien, it was terrible.
Although it is rather large, it is neither a soft-tissue injury nor a bone break. Right now, it’s so big that it’s like a shark bite.
Isaac Quaynor of Collingwood sustained a similar injury in the AFL in 2020, and three weeks after the 15-20 cm cut was closed, he was able to resume playing.
When the AFL looked into the incident and discovered that the boots that caused the injury were not in compliance, it made a stir and threatened clubs with fines of up to $40,000.
There is no indication that Pearce-Paul’s injuries was caused by non-compliant boots. Late in the first half, the Newcastle forward was involved in a string of tackles before abruptly going to a trainer to get help.
Next week, the Knights will also be without Tyson Frizell because of a concussion, although Bradman Best, a State of Origin center, might make a comeback from a hamstring injury.
As Newcastle tries to overcome the odds in the remaining two weeks of the season, Kalyn Ponga says he is prepared to seize the chance to lead the team back to the championship game.
The Knights are still in the running to finish in the top eight despite their victory over South Sydney, which placed them in eleventh place on the table.
In addition to hoping that Brisbane and St George Illawarra make mistakes along the way, Newcastle will need to defeat Gold Coast and Dolphins in their next two games.
Nearing the top of his game, Ponga broke the line twice in a minute to set up a try, giving the Knights the game’s most memorable moment.
The current Dally M Medallist dominated the match, much like he did during the 2023 Knights season.
I find it exciting. We have a struggle,” Ponga remarked.
We’re excited because this bunch is aware of what lies ahead. There is a lot of anticipation for the final two rounds at home next week. All I want is to give my best performance, prepare as well I can, and do everything I can. I can only take care of that.
As much as possible, get ready for the performance this weekend, make sure I’m with the boys, and make sure we’re in contact.
Ponga has been reliable in 2024 despite missing the majority of the season due to injury, but he hasn’t had the same consistent game-changing influence as he did the previous season.
However, with the Knights threatening to make a late finals charge, coach Adam O’Brien said the fullback suddenly has a look about him again.
I was absent for ten weeks. I felt like I was getting used to myself in my first few games, Ponga remarked. I’m thrilled about these next two rounds, my football, and the team’s football.
Ponga also benefited from Jack Cogger’s performance, who he claimed was very outspoken when directing traffic following his third comeback to the halves in 2024.
O’Brien called it his greatest game since rejoining the Knights this season, as the No. 6 scored a double and assisted on two tries in the victory.
His game is more than just those things. He led the group and was rather talkative, O’Brien remarked. That’s what we were hoping Jack would do. He kicked the ball well, in my opinion.