NRL star’s toilet cubicle mystery: Knights launch probe into Ponga footage
Newcastle Knights have launched an investigation after video footage emerged of a security guard escorting the NRL club’s co-captain Kalyn Ponga and utility Kurt Mann out of a hotel toilet cubicle.
Maroons fullback Kalyn Ponga has singed a lucrative contract extension with the Newcastle Knights, snubbing Wayne Bennett and the Dolphins. (AAP photo).
In the clip, the security guard is surprised to see Ponga emerge before both men leave quietly with their drinks.
The video was filmed on Snapchat.
Newcastle told AAP they were made aware of the video late on Sunday night but that they were still working to determine the reason for the pair’s run-in with security.
The Knights are as yet unsure when the clip was filmed but Ponga has been sidelined since round 19, when he suffered a concussion in the loss to the Sydney Roosters.
The video began circulating on social media shortly after Ponga ruled himself out for the remainder of the NRL season with his concussion.
Ponga’s latest head knock was his third in six weeks and prompted the fullback to consult with a neurologist.
Given the Knights won’t play finals this year, the club have taken a cautious approach to Ponga’s injury.
“I’d be sweet for the last round but doing no contact for the year, it probably would be a wise thing not to play the last round,” Ponga told Triple M Newcastle radio.
“It’s a bit weird. I feel OK now. At the start I felt a bit weird, headaches and what-not, but I feel alright now.
“It’s just hard. I feel OK. I feel fit. I want to play but I guess I’m just going through the protocols at the moment.”
Ponga has been the Knights’ co-captain since the beginning of the season and in April, signed a five-year contract extension to remain at the club until the end of 2027.
Mann is currently sidelined with a quad injury but is expected to return for the Knights’ last game of the season at home to Cronulla.
