Kalyn Ponga heading to Canada in desperate attempt to save NRL career
Newcastle star Kalyn Ponga is on his way to Canada in a desperate attempt to save his NRL career.
The 24-year-old's immediate future is up in the air after he was concussed in the second round of the season against the Tigers - his fourth concussion in the last 10 months.
After consulting with a concussion expert, Professor Chris Levi, the club has elected to send Ponga to Vancouver, where he'll be assessed using technology that's not available in Australia.
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"Management of concussion is a complex issue for everyone involved, we see this an opportunity to gather additional information to assist Kalyn in his recovery," Newcastle's Peter Parr said.
"Our broader aim, under the guidance of Professor Levi, is to develop a model of care that will advance our capacity in supporting players with concussion.
"Kalyn remains in good spirits and wishes to thank everyone who has enquired about his health."
Kalyn Ponga is off to Canada in an attempt to get to the bottom of his concussion issues. Cameron Spencer/Getty Images
Speaking on Nine's 100% Footy earlier this month, Phil Gould said he feared for Ponga's future.
"My concern with Kalyn - and I've retired two players because of repeated concussions in my career - is the ease with which it happens now," Gould said.
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"I don't see those knocks as anything over the top, (or knocks) that should be causing that sort of problem for him. It just seems now he reacts badly to collisions that are really quite easy, and that's not a good sign.
"I think his career is in jeopardy, to be honest. I don't know how you sort through that.
"I get concerned more at the ease with which they get concussed and how repeatedly that happens."
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