‘Hurts so much’: Ponga left shattered, consoled by Holbrook in heartbreaking scenes
Newcastle Knights player Kalyn Ponga expressed heartbreak following his team's narrow loss in the NRL Grand Final. Despite the defeat, Ponga praised his team's resilience after a difficult previous season.
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Professional sports outcomes significantly impact local community morale and regional sports culture.
NRL NRL-PREMIERSHIP ‘Hurts so much’: Ponga left shattered, consoled by Holbrook in heartbreaking scenes Holbrook: 'Fight to get back here!' | 11:57 Ethan Lee Chalk from Fox Sports October 5th, 2026 12:30 am A shattered Kalyn Ponga admits the Knights one-point loss in this year’s grand final “hurts so much” after coming unbelievably close to producing a miracle for the ages.
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Although Newcastle had a stellar opening half and entered the half-time break with a six-point lead, the Knights were unable to hold onto the lead.
Interviewed by Jonathan Thurston after the match, Ponga opened up on the heartbreaking defeat and admitted the club will return to the grand stage very soon.
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