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Newcastle Herald
Newcastle Herald
National
BARRY TOOHEY

Ponga set to unleash running game following Green signing

He was brought in to give Newcastle another focal point in attack and ease the pressure on chief playmaker and skipper Mitchell Pearce.

But the Knights are also confident veteran Blake Green's signing this week ahead of tomorrow's clash against the Wests Tigers at McDonald Jones Stadium will be the key that unlocks Kalyn Ponga's devastating running game as well.

The brilliant young fullback, who was yesterday cleared of a bio-security breach by the NRL after a photo emerged of him at a Japanese restaurant ordering takeway, has struggled to consistently play at his peak this season under close marking from rival sides.

Eyes on prize: Knights fullback Kalyn Ponga could be one of the chief beneficiaries of the club's decision to sign veteran playmaker Blake Green as Newcastle prepares to do battle with Wests Tigers in a crucial clash for both sides at McDonald Jones Stadium tomorrow.. Picture: Getty Images.

His running game has also suffered to a degree because he has taken on some of the playmaking duties and the role of back-up kicker.

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The theory is with Pearce operating on the right side of the ruck and Green on the left, it will open the door for Ponga to only concern himself with what he does best - terrorising opposition defences with his speed and dazzling footwork on both sides of the field.

Green slotted in seamlessly on the left side at training on Wednesday during an opposed session with coach Adam O'Brien optimistic their partnership will deliver for the side.

"He's smart and both him and Junior [Pearce] will work it out," he said. "Is it going to get better - yeah, I'm sure it will but I still think it is going to be at a high standard on the weekend just from what they did at training together yesterday.

"At the end of the day, the big thing for me is we need to build some pressure on the opposition, get to the end of our sets and get some better field position with our kick finishes.

"That's what I think he will really help Junior with. Greeny's quite calculated with everything he does and it will also free Junior and Kalyn up a bit more with their running games as well just having him there.

"The rest of it will evolve the more time they all spend together."

O'Brien said Ponga's free rein in attack to inject himself wherever he believes there is an opportunity will continue despite suggestions he is more dangerous operating on the left.

"I still want Kalyn swinging both sides and I won't be parking him anywhere," he said. "If you lock him in on one side and he just does the same thing every week and you hope it gets you results, well that's just putting a ceiling on him. While he's getting used to it, he'll have some turbulent times and there'll be some flat spots but when you get to the end product, he'll be one hell of a dangerous player for the opposition to have to worry about."

Centre Enari Tuala has been troubled by a hip problem and did not train with the main squad on Wednesday but is in no doubt. His defensive partnership on the left edge with rookie winger Starford To'a is certain to face a stern test from the Tigers. Backrower Brodie Jones returns from injury.

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