Kalyn Ponga’s switch to five-eighth looks on track with the young Newcastle star showing flashes of brilliance in the Knights’ 18-10 NRL trial loss to St George Illawarra.
Ponga helped the Knights to a 10-6 halftime lead on Saturday afternoon at WIN Stadium before both sides pulled most of their top-line players in a high-quality trial.
The 20-year-old was involved in both of the Knights’ first-half tries, with plenty of touches in his first hit-out at No.6 for Newcastle since making the switch from fullback in the off-season.
His first assist showed a continuing strong combination with Lachlan Fitzgibbon from last season, as he put the second-rower through a hole from 30m out on the left edge to score.
He and halfback Mitchell Pearce often played the same side of the field, with the pair and Fitzgibbon combining not long before the break to send Edrick Lee over for the 10-6 lead.
At other times though, Ponga still showed signs of adjusting to the role, throwing one pass into touch as he ran low on room, while another ball close to the defensive line forced an error from Mitchell Barnett.
“They created a couple of tries in that first half so that was pleasing,” Knights coach Nathan Brown said.
“They overplayed their hand a couple of times as well so that’s not surprising either in their first game together.
“It’s a good starting point and Connor (Watson) was quite comfortable at fullback, too.”
Newcastle were at full strength while the Dragons were lacking only forwards James Graham, Tyson Frizell and Jack de Belin.
The hosts’ front-line attack also looked slick in the first half, with Corey Norman and Ben Hunt in the halves and Gareth Widdop at fullback.
The trio came close to combining for an early try for Widdop before it was called back for an obstruction, while Paul Vaughan scored the top squad’s only four-pointer when he ran over Danny Levi at first receiver.
“Their start was good and I thought we didn’t play quick enough after that,” coach Paul McGregor said of his spine.
“But it’s only game one of a long season – it’s going to take a bit of time. I’m pretty impressed I’ve got the depth there.”
Euan Aitken and Tim Lafai started in the centres for the Dragons in their most contested position, with Zac Lomax also spending time there and on the wing.
Matt Dufty also impressed in the second half as he had a hand in one of winger Mikaele Ravalawa’s two second-half tries, pushing his case for a bench spot.