Kalyn Ponga has become the latest player to fall victim to the NRL's Magic Round curse, with the Newcastle superstar ruled out with a groin injury. The Knights confirmed on Thursday morning that Ponga is expected to miss at least the next two weeks with an adductor issue, with Tex Hoy to play fullback. Ponga's absence against Wests Tigers makes him the fifth player to feature in the NRL's promotional ad for the Brisbane extravaganza only to be unavailable. The 23-year-old experienced groin tightness after last weekend's win over Canberra, and the Knights are keen to take a cautious approach with their No.1. "At this stage it's a minor tear ... we're not willing to push him because we don't want it to turn anything more sinister," coach Adam O'Brien said. "It's the right thing to do with Kalyn and the club. "In the game against the Raiders he was outstanding along with the rest of the spine. That's the disappointing thing. "But Tex has trained with the spine all week." Ponga's injury comes less than a month out from State of Origin. While there are no concerns about his Queensland availability the Knights are bracing for more games without him over the middle stage of the season.
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