Kalyn Ponga Seals Unbelievable Comeback for Knights in Golden Point Thriller
Wow — what a night of footy! If you tuned in to watch the Newcastle Knights take on the Manly Sea Eagles, you witnessed something truly unforgettable. It wasn’t just a game — it was a rollercoaster of emotion, chaos, and eventually, redemption.
The Knights pulled off one of the most remarkable comebacks of the season, storming back from a 16-0 halftime deficit to beat the Sea Eagles 26-22 in golden point. The hero? Kalyn Ponga. And while he scored the winning try, this win wasn’t just about him — it was about heart, grit, and a team refusing to fold.
The match started in the worst possible way for Newcastle. Both Lehi Hopoate and Tyson Frizell were ruled out early with head knocks, setting the tone for a tough, physical battle. Manly took full advantage, slicing through Newcastle’s defence with ease. Tolu Koula at fullback got things started, followed by brutal tries from Sipley and Olakau’atu, who looked like he was sending a personal message to the NSW selectors.
At halftime, the Knights were scoreless, disjointed, and booed off by their home fans. It was brutal. Even club legend Andrew Johns called it “a tough watch.” Honestly, most of us had probably written them off.
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But then the second half happened.
Kai Pearce-Paul opened the floodgates with a stunning break and link-up play to Fletcher Sharpe. Suddenly, the energy changed. Rookie winger Fletcher Hunt became the spark, soaring high above defenders and scoring to pull the Knights closer. Then came Schiller’s acrobatics and Sharpe’s double — and just like that, the game was tied.
There were missed chances, frantic kicks, and even a failed field goal attempt by Luke Brooks that sent us into golden point. And that’s where the magic happened.
Right out of the gate, Kalyn Ponga delivered. A high bomb from the skipper found Hunt, who once again flew through the air and tapped it back into Ponga’s waiting arms. Try. Game. Redemption.
This was more than just two competition points. It was a statement — that the Knights are still fighting, still believing. And while Ponga gets the headlines, the young guns — Hunt, Sharpe, and Schiller — deserve just as much praise.
As Andrew Johns said, “Sometimes you need some magic to turn your season around.” Well, Newcastle just found theirs.
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