Ponga a delight for Cowboys

A CLASSY double from Newcastle-bound fullback Kalyn Ponga helped North Queensland to a 12-point win over the Knights last night in Townsville.

Injured Johnathan Thurston was again sorely missed by the hosts but they fought back from being behind at half-time to prevail 24-12 at 1300SMILES Stadium and snap a two-game losing streak.

Teenage fullback Ponga bagged a try either side of halftime and an improved second 40 minutes saved the Cowboys blushes against an injury-ravaged Knights side that suffered their sixth straight defeat.

North Queensland should have crossed in the first minute of the game but Origin hopeful Coen Hess bombed what appeared to be a certain try after grassing a Justin O’Neill pass.

The home side dominance paid off when Gavin Cooper caught the Knights markers napping to dive over for the game’s opening try. Newcastle hit back after 17 minutes with a simple try to winger Nathan Ross and they struck again almost instantly when Brendan Elliot pounced on an errant Cooper grubber.

But Ponga darted over from short range in the 37th minute to cut the Knights lead to just two points.

North Queensland edged in front when Kane Linnett charged through some soft Knights defence.

The home fans had more to cheer when makeshift fiveeight John Asiata hit Ponga with a delightful ball for the young star to complete his double.