Ponga drug tested by NRL - what's wrong with leadership at the Knights I NRL 360 I Fox League I

[@jamesc1760]

You’ve got Radley for the chooks who stayed in the bubble for the whole season to help the boys out despite being injured and then you’ve got Ponga from the knights who can’t even be bothered to watch his team play. I’m not a fan of either club but you can see the differences in the culture in this comparison right here.

[@lostinspace699]

20 Thousand for not watching TV

[@martinpye549]

Good call, mate.

[@jamesc1760]

@@martinpye549 thank you 😊

[@andrewzwart4966]

in fairness no one watches the knights 🤣🤣

[@SilentHotdog28]

I used to not like Radley, but last 2 years he's really changed in my eyes, he is committed to the club like crazy and plays with his heart on his sleeve, too bad he plays for the chooks, because I hate them, but he's one of the few players and/or things about the club that I like.

[@peterfairbrother3218]

Something to consider; A Penrith player recently was suspended for a dangerous tackle. The following week he wasn't at home or at a local watering hole feeling sorry for himself. He was at the game supporting his team. He made the right decision! This Newcastle player is out for the season with a head injury. As the team captain he should be at the game supporting his mates. Had he done so this mess that ended up on camera may never have happened. So why wasn't he supporting his team?

[@paulryan5158]

Go Panthers.

[@bringabong4648]

Not a panthers or nsw fan but Nathan seems like a great bloke Wish him all the best in his long long career. Great role model

[@anthonyuiduldam7591]

As a cowboys fan, that's facts💯🙌

[@mozilla12many]

Injured players don’t travel with the team in saying that he shouldn’t be on the piss at the del

[@mastermao8592]

He went there to support Mann ps mental health

[@martinpye549]

I'm in the UK now, but know a lot of people around Newcastle, and a LOT of these players are not liked at all out in public. Sad , but true.

[@johnvienta7622]

From what I was told by people who grew up in that area, the Newcastle club has had a drug issue for many years, and they also have an attitude problem.

[@holyliable5829]

If they drug tested all the players from every team there would be no competition lol. They also need to extend drug testing to the referees and bunker officials so Graham Annesley doesn't have to do his weekly apologies for their incompetence🤣

[@rocknral]

Exactly. Most of the chooks from the noughties were doing lines in the clubs and pubs. People saw it. But, you know... It's the chooks.

[@JesusIsKingofkings77]

🤣🤣🤣

[@jest3167]

Kinda like when Barba tested positive at the Sharks after they won the GF and apparently Barba was the only one on coke yea sure he was

[@SilentHotdog28]

@@rocknral Chooks never get done for anything. Look at their salary sobrero haha.

[@alexmacaulay965]

If Joey johns had the cameras they have today the media would break the simulation

[@elcucuy5304]

Joey johns won premierships and games and didnt walk around like his sh#t dont stink

[@outlawrip-offartist4161]

@@elcucuy5304 that’s the difference Joey Johns backed it up on the field so most people didn’t care.

[@rocknral]

@@outlawrip-offartist4161 Cause he was on the gear. Which by the way was/is illegal.

[@Randomgguy22651]

@@rocknral dude if you don’t think all athletes, don’t take stuff then you don’t know sports but point is johns is a immortal and ponga isn’t

[@outlawrip-offartist4161]

@@rocknral I know he was cheating but for some reason he gets a pass.

[@John_bcm]

The roosters paid cronk a million a year for 2 years and won the comp two years in a row. Ponga is a great player but is definitely overpaid

[@lukeappleby6514]

As a Novocastrian with deep roots in the Hunter and a lifelong Knights fan I am saying please, please let him go. Take the pain and pay part of his salary and let him go to uncle Wayne, we unfortunately have to cut the rot and build on Hunter Valley boys.

[@Chris-vq5vr]

Yep, I’m with you mate. I grew up in Gateshead and I want him to go. Ponga has to go. We are sick and tired of him playing good for only 3 x games of the year

[@mitchellryan7509]

he just resigned lol

[@Chris-vq5vr]

@@mitchellryan7509 nothing on the news yet mate

[@jjghg4426]

@@Chris-vq5vr 3 lol dont ya mean 1 or 2 lol sack ponga

[@Chris-vq5vr]

@@jjghg4426 3 x State of Origins

[@npd6225]

The kids a dud and by all accounts he’s an absolute Derrick around Newcastle.

[@alexmacaulay965]

Not the best comment. im pretty sure Ponga would snap your ankles 4 times on one run bred. Delete the comment unk

[@ronanrogers4127]

@@alexmacaulay965 it’s a fair comment. He’s overrated. His whole family is arrogant.

[@mitchelltownes6251]

@@alexmacaulay965 gone unk bahahah

[@maxpower5573]

@Joel The funny thing is, noone from Newcastle defends him because they see him and his family and what theyre like.. internet champions are those who have no idea and post something passionately without all the facts this guy was stating his opinion (which alot of us agree with) you don't have to...

[@KMcD1097]

@@alexmacaulay965 Big ponga fan mate?

[@tmeister8870]

Get Mark Sargent & Paul Harragon to give Ponga a motivation talk on club pride. Real Newcastle men.

[@ThatGuy-qp6dv]

I might be alone here but I really don't mind footy players having a social life. Nobody got hurt. Play on.

[@gerardroll6468]

At least he wasn’t led out of there in the back of an ambulance or in handcuffs.

[@ozbolli]

With ya on that one

[@Aka_Luthy]

I'm with ya...we need to stop acting like this is taboo ,nose beers and a few schooeys go hand in hand with the young blokes these days and has been happening for decades ,the only bad thing I see is the bloke wasn't at the game supporting his club on game day another than that play on

[@durrypaketbryan3357]

i agree but they also need to be smart do ya fucking nose beers at home, make sure ya only have close mates with ya, because phones will ruin a young blokes career these days, the people who are filming deserves a real flogging

[@bradglawson4395]

They were not doing nose beers.. They were in the cubicle having Cock- tails

[@jameswestover8403]

Captain of the Knights, punishment enough......

[@rumplespliffskin]

I never thought I'd see the day where William H Macy was going off his head and Paul Kent is quiet and contained.

[@Gangazz4Life]

Ponga has clearly risked his life in the backline putting his body on the line to save his pathetic team & has stayed on as he is loyal - despite the fans being the opposite… how sad ponga watched the game at the pub with friends or family

[@paulryan5158]

Don't think so his always injured.not worth the money full stop

[@swimcoachasia4978]

😂 risked his life. There you go… a ‘level headed’ supporter who is completely void of reality.

[@tderozan3868]

Facts

[@wolfy_conservative911]

1.2 mill to finish last and your captain can't handle his drink... what an amazing club

[@lukerichardson6084]

Imagine paying $1m a year for Kalyn Ponga who only ends up playing 7 full games (and losing most of them)...

[@joehillary6981]

guys, don't bloody talk over each other! allow each speaker to finish his point instead of cutting him off.

[@weburnitatbothends]

Newcastle was built by Joey Johns on three T's Kenty, Toughness Tomorrow and Trips

[@jjghg4426]

newcastle was built via a drug cheat andrew johns on ecstacy

[@gcdragon2558]

Ponga has been told he's the greatest since he was 16, the ego would be off the charts.. Of course he thinks he's bigger than the team & probably is at the moment

[@ckromuluss11and89]

Surely it's time for ponga to go, Newcastle loyal supporters deserve so much more ,

[@drewtin4654]

I use to work as a cleaner at a casino and the only two reasons two men were in a single cubicle was to snort coke or blow each other, so if his drug test comes up negative then he likes a blow n' go. However considering that cocaine can cause damage to your brain, even when used only a few times and considering all of ponga's concussion issues I wouldn't be surprised he was just snorting 😤

[@jest3167]

Mans was repping pride round 🤣

[@azwanazmi1484]

Maybe it was a combination of both.

[@mjay6508]

On the drink????? Yeah right my name is WILLY not SILLY.... ex nightclub/pub/leagues club security here..... he was in the dunny doing lines of coke... GET REAL EVERYBODY

[@weburnitatbothends]

Ponga for the next Newcastle Immortal, Joey's stain runs deep

[@glennparkinson6878]

You hit the nail on the head Kenty the best teams where built from the local league I still remember Mark Hughes 3 tries for the dogs back in the 90s.

[@mastermao8592]

It’s 2022 now that stuff doesn’t work

[@charliemartine9014]

@@mastermao8592 what do you mean? Look at the panthers…

[@mrfishmon5517]

I called these dramas when he signed that big contract the other month. He’s in the game for himself. Not a team player and never a captain

[@lildrum78]

What I can’t understand is that they had a go at Klemmer the other week - a bloke who was passionate about playing his best footy rather than being subbed off. And here they are pandering to Ponga and this embarrassing scenario he has placed himself in!

[@sessi0000]

Joey linking back up with the club is really showing lol .

[@stevenguegens7047]

In five years time THEY Will NOT win a grand final with Kalyan Ponga at the helm 💯 percent 👎

[@jager8432]

I like that you all seem to forget he's able to play better at origin because of the team he's in. It suits his game better to be playing off the back off the better players

[@AshleyJOsborne]

He plays for QLD, nothing will happen. He's untouchable.

[@bpswank429]

Think you mean nsw or Penrith or Melbourne

[@texan-rp4wc]

seems to be drama every week in the nrl. this though is a storm in a tea cup. I think they want to get rid of ponga because he’s under performing

[@bfg3890]

I think they want to get rid of him because he’s going to be on the sidelines or medically retired for the next 5 years.

[@tristaingilbert7663]

He’s a human being just bc he’s a professional athlete doesn’t mean he can’t drink alcohol

[@Ausbrahdave]

Nothing about him snorting away get a grip his meant to be a leader it's not for everyone maybe not for him

[@watda011]

Ponga and his dad are only committed to the money not Newcastle

[@TheScary79]

Yeah drug test them now 3 days later when it's out of your system with in 48hrs. See ya Ponga he's 1000 percent dedicated to him self and that's all there is to it. Lucky Andrew Johns never had cameras around him or regular drug test.

[@elieadwan4092]

Wasnt Adam O’brien assistant under Robinson at the roosters. How is the circus going on with a coach that came from that organisation

[@michaellincoln3739]

From a legal position, Ponga did nothing wrong going out on the drink. He's not in training and effectively what happened was he was involved in "an after work activity". Morals are not involved. Every worker in Australia has the right to go out drinking when not working. Also the media blow up insinuating there was homosexual activity in the cubical exposes the League and the media to Ponga lodging a defamation case.

[@johnvienta7622]

He could lodge a claim, whether he would be successful would be doubtful. He has placed himself in a difficult position because the other option is admitting that he was performing an unlawful act. As for being physically ill, I have yet to see someone who rushed to the toilet to vomit worry about taking their drink with them.

[@weburnitatbothends]

Best should be stood down for having too much body fat between his ears, over rated big time

[@Alekosdw]

Ye mate needs a good month in reserve grade !

[@ElvisT896]

Dog act!!! Such a grub teams playing and he’s a club partying Shows how much of a captain he is Andrew Johns will be furious die hard knight!!!

[@weburnitatbothends]

What else do you expect from the club of Joey Johns, more pingers less coke boys

[@DavidJones-ye6wy]

He is a professional, an adult not someone playing local weekend club footy.

[@justinrossington396]

So funny kennty when they said about mitchell pearce, great culture! Out off the Sydney bubble and whhoops

[@fromthearea2209]

they didn't turn the comments off

[@oharabuiltptyltd9597]

Well said kenty

[@markmcgregor223]

The problem is Ponga isn't Newcastle,he,s not there cause he really wants to be there he,s there for the money 💰 and he will never get one over the fans, every big name Newcastle get either under perform or they want to leave, something is going wrong big time 😠

[@johnburke6332]

So now we have to ask why Ben Barba was targeted by the NRL four days after winning the premiership?! It destroyed the young champion and left a gaping hole in the Cronulla Sharks chances of going back to back. I like ponga, but the precedence has been set. He needs to be banned from the game for a long time.

[@adelmobarbera2879]

I think it was because it was Barbas' second or third strike.

[@johnburke6332]

@@adelmobarbera2879 you're right, but why was the NRL targeting a guy 4 days after winning the premiership?!

[@adelmobarbera2879]

@@johnburke6332 yeah I know, I was at Shark Park day after that GF, and Benny looked a bit worse for wear then with sunnies on etc but we wasn't alone in that. Maybe they knew his past form or they drug tested everyone from both teams. Can't tell ya.

[@johnburke6332]

@@adelmobarbera2879 Nice. I wish I could've made it. Hopefully this year.

[@swimcoachasia4978]

Ponga is on 40k per game - win or lose or even play. O’Brien is on the same. Who is signing the cheques.

[@daniellennon4275]

If you actually look at he has only played 14 games all year its more like 71k and he didnt even finish half of those

[@jameswestover8403]

Andrew Johns is shitting bricks, he is gonna have to put the boots back on........

[@ZIGSVIDS]

check the out raged flogs..who gives a crap, as long as they are clean and fit on match day, go for it. The real problem are the dog dobbers, face down in the urinal and a week in hospital for all dog dobbers.

[@Sub0x-x40]

the bloke with the phone needs a few less teeth

[@ZIGSVIDS]

@@Sub0x-x40 Badaboom!

[@Sub0x-x40]

the knights dont have a halfback all there issues begin and end right there

[@mitullala8857]

Yeah halves is a big problem

[@billaskie9114]

The game plan from Adam O`Brien --do the players adhere to it or just go on the field and play 5 up the middle followed by a kick. The team captain must not rate a listen from his fellow teammates.

[@bensmith570]

Knights deserve this mess everyone was saying when they beat the roosters knights are gonna win the comp now those people have egg on there face

[@kierantimothy3698]

These reporters need to live a little

[@martinvanderhoek4363]

The NRL has continually had drama and disgrace for decades. No other sport in Australia has this history. Something wrong with the intelligence of the players and they have to take responsible for their own actions.

[@danewoods4712]

Punishment? Guilty until proven innocent is it? Lol If he passes the drug test, there should be zero punishment. Going in the cubicle with another dude is no crime! He literally did nothing. And the fact he was on the beers whilst his team was playing I have no issue. He was probably watching the game in the sports bar and needed to take a slash. It’s the Knights fault for not having in place compulsory for players to go to the games or watch games at the clubhouse. I’m not a KP fan at all, but he’s getting thrown under the bus here.

[@danewoods4712]

@@Ryan-ys3yd I feel it’s Newcastle that is at fault here. They need rules in place that if you are injured and there is an away game, you have to get to the clubhouse and watch it as a team that is non travelling. The current system of letting them do anything seems strange. And this is how this entire topic has been brought to question, KP hasn’t done anything wrong outside of the clubs rules. Sharing a cubicle is nothing, as long as he passes his drug test!

[@danewoods4712]

@@Ryan-ys3yd is there an exact time of this video? Like was this taken in the middle of the match or just that evening? As you said they are grown adults, you don’t need to dissect a game of football in your lounge room and can easily watch the match intently in the Sports bar with some friends. That’s why you have a video session afterwards, to dissect it. As long as he passes the drug test, to be punished for having some drinks during a match is ridiculous. Especially as they have no SOPs for what they should be doing.

[@stevepetrovski5807]

Thats why you don't give a young player a million dollars , for starters he ain't that good nor worth a million a year noooo way... he is young and has no respect for the club in my opinion for what he done... make them prove and earn their way to a million dollars... and by the way he spends more time on the sideline injured than playing on the field... money thrown out the window at the nights

[@AJWRAJWR]

Time to test the panel, I say.

[@ZIGSVIDS]

Three of them would blow the coke bag...

[@outlawrip-offartist4161]

The panel is right this time.

[@SadéN333]

The first guy needs to calm down 🤣🤣🤣

[@eulogist8120]

We don’t want him, overplayed diva, only took captaincy to boost his packet….him and his father have taken the club for a joke….medically retire or sack him and throw the book at Munster who can actually control and win games

[@eulogist8120]

Overpayed!

[@maldrury8313]

Is it a good idea that a player, who is out for the remainder of the season due to a brain injury, is spending his spare time getting pissed out of his mind? I would be interested to hear from a medical expert.

[@tysonalexander6274]

I agree it's not the best look. Were they doing something dodgy? Maybe but unless there's proof then you can't punish him for anything. Get some club leaders and former players and have a chat to him. And saying he plays great for Qld but not the knights is a stupid comparison. Playing origin you are in a team full of great players and in a very different environment. Again it's not a great look but unless there's proof of him doing something wrong move on.

[@phbrand8548]

He is a disgrace get rid of him no example for the youth of today and a piss poor example to his team mates

[@gerardroll6468]

Re: The video title… The Knights have “leadership”??? 🤨🤨🤨

[@davefarrugia3497]

Drug test him , suspend him if found guilty , and put him on a plan because with his concussion rate that becomes dangerous, I’ve stopped drinking because of brain tumours , anything neurological shouldn’t be ignored and the knights and Ponga have a thing called DUTY OF CARE , I’m a Storm supporter and a QLD supporter too , but he needs to go .

[@ronanrogers4127]

Vastly overrated player. That’s his biggest offence. Otherwise…play on.

[@greybuck7011]

id go to jail to bash crawly

[@jbrown8059]

People say Ponga played well in origin 3, that's one game of the year, what happen to the rest of the season?

[@jest3167]

Its the only standout performance in Origin with the ball in hand that I can remember from him and he wasn't even best on ground IMO

[@delailama736]

Since when is it legal to film inside a bathroom? You shouldn't even be allowed to use this footage against a player.

[@peterkempe6026]

Been going on at Newcastle for a long time grab local juniors stay patient with them build from the ground up buying in doesn't work

[@JesusIsKingofkings77]

You can’t compare his performance from Queensland to his performance at the club because Queensland play as a team and they pick the best players from Queensland so everyone give their best for Queensland and all the Queensland players are in-form players, can you say the same for the Nights?

[@oharabuiltptyltd9597]

Kenty said it best. Knights walk around like they’re super stars. Really they should be hiding they’re embarrassing and should be ashamed of themselves

[@mattythomas2548]

Why do they wait like 4 days to drug test them, do it the next day, cocaine is out of your system in about 2 days

[@Steveaustin007]

Happens every weekend

[@aiden777able]

Get rid of him.

[@maxfish4770]

Im a Kinights supporter but they are a joke. My nephew is a handy young footballer, when the Knights came knocking I told him to not even consider it. Stick with the Roosters or go to the Storm if he got the chance.

[@NorthernS0n]

Why didn't the Captain (Ponga) attend the match? A leader? Far from it. On the drink after a head injury? I would be concerned that Insurance wouldn't cover any future issues that might come up as a result of a massive concussion. He did drink that much he was sick. No company would pay him or cover the Club. Its like not having insurance on your home that burns down, but you still have to pay the mortgage. IMO, Ponga is too immature, and obviously arrogant. Too overpaid, the kid is above average at best, not worth 1M per year. I'd rather 2 players than half-job Ponga. He played half the season ffs. Also thought the Immortal was mentoring him, must have had on his origin headphones when being 'mentored'. Reckon its time to punt ponga and free up the Salary Cap for a Full Season Player. Plenty out there.

[@bremCZ]

Are they not tested all the time anyway?

[@toddoooo4947]

Be out of his system time they tested him That why they use it 2 days max

[@dmodwiz]

Stand up and be a man, take responsibility for your actions. If he’s let off, it sets precedence

[@danewoods4712]

But what has he exactly done wrong? If he passes the drug test, I am unsure what he can be charged with by the integrity unit. He’s done nothing illegal, obviously Newcastle don’t have rules in place for injured players whilst the game is on. It falls on them imo

[@craigarms2587]

We don’t know the facts yet!

[@pbearau]

So big Daddy has gone south, wow how about it yes the Knights has problems not just one player but the whole team down to management. Need to learn, adapt and look after each other. Mental health is the issue with culture. Put him in, teach him, and teach all.

[@eshladdim7666]

These blokes love to bash a queenslander. Put Cleary or Edwards in the same situation and see how they react. Bunch of BS.

[@Ausbrahdave]

Nobody at Newcastle is pulling these guys in line . See JWH rossting Walker clearly Ponga is not the guy

[@ajayharry987]

David riccio should be on to replace that fossil buzz.

[@adelmobarbera2879]

Yeah I like Riccio too. One Shark supporter to replace another. Lol

[@ajayharry987]

True. At least he doesn’t say ridiculous shiz like buzz does.

[@smithy2]

Am I the only one who thought they were doing something else in there and not drugs? 🤔

[@jesstill7833]

My opinion get rid of him he’s to fragile and to stupid …Newcastle don’t need him the money he gets to much money and it got to his head. Don’t trust him he’s to wild ,careless and he don’t give a crap discipline is what you must have to be Captain sack him 👍

[@greybuck7011]

take back my previous comment as i wouldnt want to offend dogs by comparing them to paul crawly.

[@416Flooring]

I’m burning my kp Madison head gear idgaf

[@garybaltiejus7248]

Knights management stuffed up does ponga have a bit of talent ? Yes is ponga leadership material ? All indicators would suggest no so all they have done is pay overs for a decent player who saves his best performances for rep footy well done Newcastle knights

[@benim400]

Kalyn has destroyed his brand. Money changes people , its changed him . They stop playing good footy to mediocre , these players hanging with him are bludgers. The sooner clubs put a line in the sand , if your not serious impliment fines ,or stand him down. There are players out there who need a chance .

[@nahzewilliams5912]

better off going back to Rugby......still a chance of making the ABs if he applies himself less head-knocks as well

[@dartymcphee6738]

$19,230 a week to play a half arsed game of footy. Maybe discipline will sought out these spoilt entitled new aged footy players…farking embarrassing to watch and it’s probably why I don’t watch footy anymore & only watch the old school players on podcast or shows!

[@etsnation4961]

Kenty making sense for once.

[@patricknulty9729]

Geez you blokes love make a mountain out of a molehill, put them all on ankle bracelets

[@justinboyce1831]

Please stop the conspiracy theories the true story is Ponga had a runny nose and Mann was helping apply some nostril drops

[@thatguyedits1920]

Some of my best performances were fresh off the piss. With the boys on the train straight back from the cross before playing wenties.

[@wokkyminniecon9803]

What is this garbage? Players all of a sudden become gods or something when they sign a contract in the NRL? They're just normal people with social lives, no different from you and me, except they play a sport we all admire. Why are we holding these players to such high standards as if they're not prone to live normal lives, especially still being young. You can't tell me that a person will just flip a switch and act like a king when they sign a contract.

[@richiem7716]

It's really sad reading the comments here. Leave the lad alone ffs. These journos are vultures who are loving this storm in a teacup. There should b more outrage directed st the clout-chasing grub who recorded the 'incident' and released it or sold it

[@richiem7716]

@@craigfrith7024 didnt know it was security but even so last time i checked bouncers at my local dont release footage of anyone online. Honestly tho, people get outraged over nothingburgers nowadays

[@junewark7179]

Golden Boy is not worth the money they stupidly decided to pay him.

[@l3n221]

C'mon on, Andrew Jones played for the knights on drugs. They didn't care then why now

[@mjay6508]

On the drink????? Yeah right my name is WILLY not SILLY.... ex security here..... he was in the dunny doing lines of coke... GET REAL EVERYBODY

[@nunyabizness7259]

I don't blame him I mean he does play for knights

[@mastermao8592]

Can’t wait to see ponga trotting around for the roosters