‘High-grade AC shoulder injury’: Knights suffer major blow with Kalyn Ponga ruled out

Knights superstar Kalyn Ponga has been ruled out of his side’s round 27 game against the Dragons due to a shoulder injury, with the club hopeful he can be back for week one of the finals.

The fullback had scans on Monday morning which revealed a high-grade AC shoulder injury following a heavy hit from Sharks centre Jesse Ramien in Sunday’s 32-6 win which sealed a home final.

Ponga has been instrumental in Newcastle’s eight-game winning streak, scoring four tries and setting up another 14 to help the Knights go from a bottom-four team to the hottest side in the NRL right now.

But they’ll need him on the field if they are to have any chance of going deep into the finals after he was forced off late and in clear discomfort.

The 25-year-old will miss Saturday’s game in Kogarah, with the Knights already guaranteed a home final next week regardless of what happens in Round 27.

“Scans today have confirmed Newcastle Knights captain Kalyn Ponga has a high-grade AC shoulder injury,” a Knights statement read.

“Ponga will not be considered for selection for round 27, medical and performance staff have commenced treatment with a view to returning for week one of the finals series.”

It continues a horror week for some of the game’s biggest stars with a number of clubs losing key players on the eve of the finals.

The Panthers could be without star five-eighth Jarome Luai for the rest of the season after he dislocated his shoulder in the shock loss to Parramatta which has put a huge dent in their hopes of winning the minor premiership.

The Storm has already ruled halfback Jahrome Hughes out of Thursday’s trip to Brisbane due to a minor medial ligament sprain in his knee, while Warriors skipper Tohu Harris is in doubt for the first week of the finals due to a back issue.

Reigning Dally M Medal winner Nicho Hynes missed the trip to Newcastle due to a quad complaint, while Golden Boot winner Joseph Manu could miss the Roosters’ must-win game against Souths after he hurt his hamstring.

The Broncos are also set to be without star duo Adam Reynolds (calf) and Patrick Carrigan (foot) for the game against the Storm, with a win enough to seal the club’s first minor premiership since 2000.