Kalyn Ponga Cleared to Play After Concussion Scares

BY OLIVIA DILLON

The Knights are breathing a sigh of relief, announcing Kalyn Ponga will return to play for the side during next week's clash with the Cowboys. 

There were concerns for the young star's future, after he suffered four knocks to the head in just 10 months. 

However, after undergoing neurological testing in Canada, Ponga has been cleared to make his return in round eight.  

Speaking to the media for the first time since his last concussion, suffered during Newcastle's round two battle against the Wests Tigers, the skipper said the overseas medical team were happy with his health and he's feeling positive in continuing with his NRL career. 

"You can build the brain back, you can train the brain, and you can make it perform at a higher level," he said. 

Questions have been circling around the future of Ponga's on-field performance, but the 25-year-old said he just wants to get back to business as usual. 

"I know what my best plays are and I'm still going to run them. Regardless of the head-knocks, that's what makes me so good in my role," Ponga said.   

"I'm not going to start changing the way I play in that sense." 

Ponga did confirm he'd be working on his tackle technique and would be looking to be "smarter" in defence. 

The playmaker says he still plans to play at five-eight, with no plans to return to fullback. 

Jarryd Hayne Taken Into Custody as he Awaits Sentencing over the Sexual Assault of Newcastle Woman in 2018

BY OLIVIA DILLON

Former NRL star Jarryd Hayne has been taken into custody after having his bail revoked as he awaits sentencing. 

The former Eels star was earlier this month convicted of sexual assaulting a women in Newcastle on the night of the 2018 NRL Grand Final. 

The court previously heard Hayne was targeted by others in custody because of his public profile.

However, the Director of Public Prosecutions made a Supreme Court detention application to immediately place him behind bars.

Hayne continues to maintain his innocence despite the conviction.

Image: NewsWire

Newcastle Knights receive Key to the City after NRLW win

BY DAKOTA TAIT

Hundreds of fans gathered at Newcastle City Hall on Tuesday evening to celebrate the Newcastle Knights claiming the 2022 NRLW Premiership.

The 32-to-12 victory over the Parramatta Eels is Newcastle's first trophy since the men's Premiership win in 2001.

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes also presented the 24-woman squad with a Key to the City at the civic reception, accepted by captain Millie Boyle.

Ms Boyle says it's an incredible moment.

"On behalf of the entire team, I’d like to thank the Lord Mayor for opening the doors to City Hall to celebrate the team’s victory," she said. 

"It means so much to the players, captains and coaches to have such strong support from Novocastrians, which has kept us buoyed throughout the season. It's wonderful to share this celebration with the city."

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes and the Newcastle Knights at City Hall.

NRL Beanie Round brings brain cancer fundraising to $4 million

BY ALEXANDRA REES

The Mark Hughes Foundation has raised $4 million so far in this year's NRL Beanie for Brain Cancer campaign this week.

With donations still coming in, the campaign has surpassed the foundations initial aim to raise $3 million from the purchase of a foundation beanie.

MHF Founder Mark Hughes says the donations will go a long way to help brain cancer research.

"This year our thoughts are first and foremost with the families that have been through the brain cancer journey and lost a loved one," he said.

"There's now four million dollars going direct to brain cancer research because of every Australian that chose to make a difference this week."

A total of 170,000 beanies have been sold so far and are on track to sell out next week. 

NRL CEO Andrew Abdo says this moment wouldn't be possible without help from the community. 

"This round has been a great example of the game coming together to make a positive difference," he said.

"Thank you to everyone in the community for contributing and congratulations to the Mark Hughes Foundation on this years achievements. 

"Together we are raising awareness and raising funds to enable research to fight brain cancer and help save lives."

The Foundation also announced plans to launch a $25 million MHF Centre for Brain Cancer Research at the University of Newcastle. 

 

The dedicated space for brain cancer would see researchers come together under one roof to collaborate and find a cure. 

 

Former Knights Star Eyes Return To NRL After Drug Ban

BY IAN CROUCH

Former Newcastle Knights star Jarrrod Mullen is eyeing a comeback to the NRL once his 4-year ban ends in January.

The 33-year-old has met with the NRL Integrity Unit, reportedly telling officials he wants to be given the opportunity to resurrect his career.

Knights CEO Phil Gardner says the club won't turn their back on Mullen when his ban expires, but doubts he could return as a player.

Mullen has not played since testing positive to a banned steroid in 2016 and narrowly avoided a gaol term in February this year after pleading guilty to a charge of supplying cocaine.

Jarrod Mullen wants to resurrect his NRL career Picture stuff.co.nz

Knights Centre of Excellence Vision Revealed

BY LAUREN FREEMANTLE

Concept plans have today been unveiled for the $20 million Newcastle Knights Centre of Excellence.

NSW Minister for Sport, Stuart Ayres joined Parliamentary Secretary for the Hunter, Scot MacDonald and Venues NSW boss Paul Doorn in Broadmeadow today to announce the designs and project funding, which comes from both the state government and the Wests Group.

A four storey building will be constructed at the southern end of McDonald Jones Stadium, as well as some accommodation for country kids getting started in NRL.

"There'll be across the board support for everyone trying to get involved in the game [through collaboration with the University of Newcastle]," Scot MacDonald said, "whether that be through nutrition and how to recover from injuries..."

Three new fields will also be built on the park side adjacent to the Centre of Excellence.

Knights CEO Philip Gardner said the Centre will serve more purposes than just supporting the team.

"The focus is on speed, agility and strength; those things that are common to all sports," Mr Gardner said.

"It will be an opportunity for all talented kids to be able to access that facility...It’s a fantastic opportunity for rugby league and indeed for all sports who want to have elite pathways..."

Philip Gardner believes construction is hoped to begin by the end of this year, with a completion date around late 2019 or early 2020.

"If the Knights want to compete at the highest level in their sport they need a Centre of Excellence," the CEO asserted, "If you want to compete at that level and attract talent, you need to have these facilities."

Image: Newcastle Knights

Concerns raised about treatment of concussion in NRL

BY LAURISE DICKSON

Doctors from The University of Sydney are concerned about the impact of repeated concussions on NRL athletes. 

The issue was raised after the Newcastle Knights received a $50,000 fine for their poor concussion treatment of player Brendan Elliot earlier this year.

The Knights are also facing legal action from retired winger James McManus, who is suing the club for failure to manage the concussive injuries he received within his four years on the team.

McManus says the club's failure to conduct proper medical assessments following injuries to the head has left him suffering with ongoing disabilities, including memory loss, mood swings, headaches, anxiety and depression.

Dr Adrian Cohen, founder of HeadSafe, says research shows that concussion has become an increasing issue in recent years.

"There's no doubt our awareness of concussion has increased over the last decade, but certainly too is the number of concussion impacts," said Dr Cohen.

"Force equals mass times acceleration... they're getting bigger, they're getting faster, there's more concussions."

Dr Cohen says concussion has become a serious problem in the NRL, with many players past and present, facing long-term consequences.

"In the short-term, it's obvious when someone's knocked out or they can't return to work because they can't concentrate, they're seeing stars or hearing noises," said Dr Cohen.

"But in the longer-term, the potential exists for Chronic Neurological Impairment.  That means early dementia, Parkinson's Syndrome and emotional disturbances, up to and including depression and suicide."

Dr Cohen is urging athletes of the NRL and other contact sports to speak up if they are also suffering from the effects of repeated concussions.

"It's okay to say you're not okay," said Dr Cohen.

"If football is the cause of it, just like any other industrial workplace, football should be responsible for helping you out."

Former Knight's winger, James McManus PHOTO: The Daily Telegraph