Queensland have been dealt another blow to their State of Origin hopes with Kalyn Ponga failing a fitness test ahead of his planned return for Newcastle.
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With Origin sides to be named at the end of this weekend's round of NRL, it effectively rules him out of contention for the Maroons' No.1 position as they look to level the series in Brisbane in 10 days' time.
On Thursday the Knights confirmed Ponga could not reach the training intensity and volume required in his injured groin to be declared fit to play the Warriors on Saturday.
Ponga was included in the Queensland side for game one in Townsville with hopes he could be fit to play, but returned just days after going into camp before the Maroons were thumped 50-6 in the series opener.
Knights coach Adam O'Brien said afterwards that time away from the club's rehab staff could have been a set back for the 23-year-old who has now missed the past six NRL games.
This time, the club has made clear he won't be available for the Maroons on Sunday week.
"Next week's representative round and subsequent week off will be utilised for Kalyn to continue his rehabilitation process and reassess an achievable return to play timeline," a club statement read.
The Knights had hoped to run out their first choice spine for the first time since round two last season against the Warriors on Sunday with Mitchell Pearce also set to return from a pectoral injury.
Australian Associated Press
