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Sport Nation
Daley's big Blues dilemma as Ponga pressure mounts
George Clarke, AAP • June 2nd, 2025 9:17 am
It's crunch time for Kalyn Ponga and the Knights on Thursday against Manly. (HANDOUT/NRL PHOTOS)
KEY STORYLINES TO WATCH FOR IN ROUND 13 OF THE NRL SEASON
PRESSURE ON KP TO FIRE KNIGHTS
After he was rested from his side's loss to St George Illawarra, Newcastle need Kalyn Ponga to fire in Thursday's clash with Manly. The Knights were directionless against the Dragons and are in danger of letting their season slip away.
WHO REPLACES BARNETT?
Laurie Daley faces his first major headache as NSW coach with Warriors prop Mitch Barnett under a injury cloud for game two. Needing a player with a big motor and insatiable work-rate, does Daley promote Stefano Utoikamanu or look towards Keaon Koloamatangi or Terrell May?
LUAI AIMS TO SHOW HOW FAR HE'S COME
Jarome Luai has been at the heart of everything good about Wests Tigers this year. But after a winless run of three games, they will be looking to Luai to spark their season back into life when the halfback faces old club Penrith and great mate Nathan Cleary on Sunday.
GALVIN FACES EARLY DOGS TEST
Lachlan Galvin is expected to make his debut for first-placed Canterbury at halfback in their King's Birthday clash with Parramatta, the side who lost out to the Bulldogs in the race for the teen. Galvin's arrival is must-watch. His move could supercharge the Dogs' season or knock them off course.
HORSBURGH MAKES CASE FOR SLATER
Corey Horsburgh was stiff to miss out for Queensland's Origin I team and has produced two match-winning plays in consecutive weeks to help Canberra remain in the top four. Another heroic effort against Souths on Sunday would surely rubber-stamp the prop's place in Billy Slater's squad.
