Newcastle star Kalyn Ponga will miss this weekend’s club match following a decision from the Bunker that former New South Wales captain Paul Gallen says is “ridiculous.”
Ponga was forced from the field during Origin II after a hit from New South Wales star Nathan Cleary, with the Bunker determining it was a category one concussion.
That means a mandatory seven-day stand down, forcing him out of Newcastle’s match against Gold Coast on Friday. Cleary wasn’t charged by the match review committee.
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Speaking on Nine’s 100% Footy, journalist Michael Chammas said the decision has upset the Knights.
“This is an interesting one with Kalyn Ponga, because he actually passed the HIA after the game, but he won’t be able to play for Newcastle, and they’re pretty disappointed with this,” he explained.
Cleary hit forces Ponga from the field
“It was deemed a category one. He’s been ruled out for the Knights because of a subjective decision from the Bunker.
“We saw in the Pacific Test a couple of players got a chance to get a HIA and come back on the field for things that were a lot worse, they were stumbling around.
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“Kalyn Ponga is now not able to play for the Newcastle Knights.”
Premiership-winning captain Paul Gallen said the Knights have every right to feel aggrieved.
“It’s ridiculous that the Bunker can rule on a category one or category two having not even assessed the player,” he said.
“Surely the club doctor or the doctor at the field should have the right, or should have an opinion on whether it’s a category one or category two.
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“It’s common sense. He passed it with the doctor at the field, now he’s not allowed to play this week, after he just passed the test. It’s ridiculous.”
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