Newcastle Knights star Kalyn Ponga has admitted he grappled with the thought of a premature retirement before a “six-minute test” eased his concerns.
Ponga’s career appeared to be at the crossroads when he staggered off the field in round two following a fourth head knock in 10 months.
The 25-year-old flew to Canada for a series of six-minute cognitive tests where he received some welcome news. Having returned from his overseas trip, Ponga could return to the field as soon as round eight.
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“It was confronting, it was scary at the time,” Ponga said of the blow he copped against the Wests Tigers in round two.
“I had the (concussion) history last year and came into this year just excited to play. It was a bump in the road.
“Going over to Canada, and getting the clarity and reassurance, it just makes me really confident to play.
“After the head knock there were a few days of uncertainty. I wasn’t sure what was going on.
“It was difficult to have that thought, that you might have to stop playing was weird.
“I was trying to be positive and open-minded about everything. I’m good at doing that.
“Once I knew Canada was in front of me, I stayed positive and open-minded.”
Ponga’s latest concussion was followed by questions around whether it was wise for the Knights to move him from the fullback position into the halves, but the Queensland star denied that he needed to alter his tackling technique.
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“I am excited by that role, just like I was coming into the season,” he said.
“Lachie (Miller) is going amazing at the back. I’m keen to get back and build on that combination.
“I am confident at defending at three-man (in).
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“There has been a little bit more detail in what I do. Going into the season, I had done a lot of reps and I was feeling confident in my technique.
“It was a head clash [in round two], I could’ve put my head here or whatnot.
“I don’t think I need to revamp my tackle technique. There is not a whole new technique I need to adopt.
“It’s about being smarter with my feet and my head.”
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