LeagueNews.co | Jason Patrick
Kalyn Ponga had a sensational second half of the NRL season, playing a crucial role in the Knights' journey to the finals.
However, their defensive weaknesses were exposed by the Warriors in a disappointing 40-10 loss.
Ponga was unable to showcase his usual magic on the field, as the Warriors did an excellent job of shutting him down in attack.
Shaun Johnson orchestrated a lightning fast start for the Warriors, leading them to a memorable victory and securing a spot in the preliminary final against the Broncos.
For Ponga and the Knights, it was a bitter pill to swallow, especially considering their impressive 10-game winning streak leading up to the match.
The Warriors capitalized on a Greg Marzhew mistake early on, quickly taking a 16-0 lead.
Ponga admitted that the Knights' woeful start was unacceptable, particularly in a finals match.
He acknowledged the Warriors' dominance in the field position battle, with Johnson's kicking giving them the upper hand.
The Knights found themselves starting their sets deep within their own territory, making it difficult for them to execute their game plan.
Ponga emphasized the importance of earning the right to play their style of rugby league, something they failed to do against the Warriors.
Overall, Ponga's admission highlights the team's disappointment in their performance, acknowledging the need for improvement in future matches.