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Ponga: An honest look at what must change

It started with the review of their last performance but it finishes with results this weekend.

Kalyn Ponga said the message is clear, the nib Newcastle Knights must improve.

Having dissected the video following Sunday’s loss to the Gold Coast, the team have had a frank conversation about lifting their effort for Parramatta this weekend.

“We had a review of the game – a bit of an honesty session,” Ponga said.

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“There was a few effort areas we weren’t happy with.

“We went into last week with one part of the game on focus and we nailed that but we forgot the rest of the game so this week, our efforts and commitment to the game.”

Danny Levi added; "it’s an attitude thing. At the moment, on the field we have a few people doing their jobs and a few people aren’t doing their jobs successfully.

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“If everyone is doing their job properly, it’s going to make it easier but at the moment it’s too inconsistent.”

Few could question Ponga’s efforts against the Titans with the fullback running for 234 metres, scoring a try, making three-line breaks and seven tackle breaks.

In his third game for 2019 in the No.1, Ponga is at home roaming around the back.

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He said; “everyone is really happy in their positions” but when met with the comment that it looked like Ponga is back to his best form, the No.1 was swift to deny that’s the case.

“Not really,” he said.

“I want to compete a bit more. A few of my effort areas weren’t good enough.

“I made a couple of breaks and that’s all good but there’s a lot of things off the ball I can work on.

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“Hopefully the boys can keep me accountable and I can keep myself accountable.”

Levi echoed Ponga's thoughts with the hooker eager to make amends for his performance against the Titans. 

“I thought I definitely let myself down on the weekend," Levi said.

“I’m quite disappointed in myself, actually. That’s footy. We always have next week. I’m defiantly going to be sure I have a big one.”