NRL finals RECAP: Ponga cleared in huge boost after ‘famous’ Knights victory

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Dramatic victory for the Knights, who advance to the grand final qualifier, while the Warriors are bundled out for another year.

The NRL preliminary finals are officially locked in.

Friday: Dolphins vs Roosters, Suncorp Stadium (7.50pm)

Sunday: Panthers vs Knights, Accor Stadium (4.05pm)

HUGE boost for the Knights, with captain Kalyn Ponga cleared of a concussion after passing his HIA in the sheds.

Ponga will be available for next weekend’s clash with the Panthers.

“Yeah, I did pass it - I feel good,” Ponga told Fox League post-game.

Martin puts up a last-ditch attacking bomb with a minute to go, but Sharpe soars through the sky and takes the catch.

Newcastle hold on and are through the preliminary final against Penrith.

Brenton Speed described it as a “famous victory” for the Knights, who have gone from the wooden spoon to a grand final qualifier.

High drama at Eden Park and the Warriors’ premiership hopes are dashed.

“This is an incredible effort,” Billy Slater said on Nine.

Martin is penalised for a strip on Marzhew, but the Warriors send it upstairs.

Replays show a raking motion from the Warriors playmaker and the call remains as a penalty for the Knights.

“I disagree with that,” Billy Slater said on Nine.

Not long to go. Knights lead by two points.

Ponga gets hammered in a heavy shot from Halasima and is off for a HIA.

There was no penalty given to the Knights and replays showed no high contact from Halasima on the superstar fullback.

If he fails, Ponga will miss next weekend’s prelim if Newcastle make it.

Huge moment right here.

Best drops it coming out of his own end, but the Knights challenge it.

Replays show a deflection from Leiataua and the visitors keep the ball.

Eight minutes to go and the Knights lead by two.

Halasima has a double!

The fill-in centre finds himself on the wing close to the line and a smart short-side play from the Warriors puts the young superstar over.

Halasima plants it down with a freakish bit of athleticism.

Tuaupiki misses the sideline conversion and is then taken off for a HIA.

Knights lead 12-10 and we’ve got a serious grandstand finish coming up.

Big penalty for a high tackle gives the Warriors a full set in the red zone.

“You feel like they’re just hanging on,” Andrew Johns said on Nine.

Fisher-Harris makes a rare error in the ruck, but sends it upstairs for a challenge.

Replays show a crusher tackle from Lucas and it turns to a Warriors penalty.

Gagai makes an error coming out of trouble and gives the Warriors a chance.

Barnett pops an offload away close to the line, but Crossland dives on the loose ball to save the day for the Knights.

Huge moment now as Lucas enters the field of play, just two months after suffering a horrible ankle injury.