Ponga punishes error-prone Dolphins

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Newcastle Knights v Dolphins

A dazzling display from Kalyn Ponga has seen the Newcastle Knights claim a 26-12 victory over the Dolphins in their first appearance at home this season.

In a match billed as the first meeting between Jacob and Daniel Saifiti as opposing front-rowers, it was the fleet-footed fullback who stole the show with a hand in the Knights' first four tries and a stirring try-saver on full-time to leave 18,531 supporters elated at back-to-back wins to begin 2025. 

After a near miss which saw Tyson Frizell knock on his own grubber kick over the try line, the Knights flexed their attacking muscles with James Schiller (9th minute) claiming his first try for the club by finishing off a left to right shift.

A break by Kodi Nikorima looked to level the scores with Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow scoring from a long-range break only for the bunker to deem Felise Kaufusi obstructed the Newcastle defence; the Dolphins' disappointed was compounded moments later as Schiller (13th minute) ran onto a Ponga pass for his second four-pointer.

The points kept coming for the home side with Ponga sending Bradman Best (19th minute) and Dane Gagai (28th minute) over to blow the score out to 20-0.

A much-needed try to Mark Nicholls (32nd minute) eased the pressure on the Dolphins after Isaiya Katoa took on the Newcastle defence and found his "GOAT" front-rower in support.

Beginning the second half with the same intensity as the first, a blockbusting run from Adam Elliott saw Fletcher Sharpe react quickly and punish the Dolphins' retreating defence by sending Dylan Lucas (44th minute) over for a try.

The Knights remained on top during the second half as the Dolphins were left to lament multiple incorrect play the ball errors, however, despite the best efforts of Sharpe with an audacious chip and chase, the hosts were unable to add to their lead.

Katoa (66th minute) stemmed the home side's dominance with a solo show-and-go and the momentum looked to swing toward the visitors when Kai Pearce-Paul was sent to the sin bin for a shoulder charge to the head of Daniel Saifiti from the ensuing kick-off.

Despite playing out the final ten minutes with an extra man, the Dolphins were unable to penetrate the Knights' defence as Ponga and Best produced a try-saving effort on Jamayne Isaako to run out 26-12 victors.

Next week, the Knights will travel to the Gold Coast on Saturday evening to take on the Titans, while the Dolphins will host the Tigers on Saturday at Kayo Stadium.