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Newcastle fullback was brilliant in 19-18 loss to Sydney Roosters
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Ponga pays tribute to fans who ‘had to do it tough’ this week
The emotion of the week finally caught up with Kalyn Ponga, who starred for Newcastle despite their 19-18 defeat to the Sydney Roosters in the NRL grand final.
The Knights fullback was responsible for many of the match’s most dazzling moments – a constant menace with ball in hand on both sides of the field. He saved a four-pointer when pressuring Mark Nawaqanitawase’s aerial put-down in the first half. He ran away for a length-of-the-field try, the undoubted highlight of a thrilling encounter. The headgear, which looked pink as he ran, was impossible to miss.