Live: Knights rest Origin star Ponga against lowly Dragons

The Newcastle Knights are at home and can provisionally move into the NRL's top four with a win over the last-placed St George Illawarra Dragons.

The Knights have elected to rest Queensland Maroons State of Origin star Kalyn Ponga, with Fletcher Hunt named as the Newcastle fullback.

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Fri 19 Jun 2026 at 6:10pm

What time is kick-off in the NRL tonight?

Here is when kick-off in the clash between the Manly Sea Eagles and South Sydney Rabbitohs is in your state or territory:

8pm AEST: NSW, Queensland, ACT, Victoria, Tasmania, PNG

7:30pm ACST: South Australia, Northern Territory

6pm AWST: Western Australia

10pm NZST: New Zealand, Fiji

11pm: Tonga, Samoa

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Fri 19 Jun 2026 at 6:05pm

Newcastle Knights rest Kalyn Ponga

By Michael Doyle

Newcastle will be without their fullback and captain, Kalyn Ponga.

Ponga was brilliant for the Queensland Maroons in the second State of Origin on Wednesday, and his club have decided to give him the night off.

Fletcher Hunt will be the fullback for Newcastle tonight.

Newcastle backrower Dylan Lucas is listed to play tonight, despite also playing Origin mid-week.

But we will wait for the official team lists at 7pm to confirm if he will suit up this evening.

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Fri 19 Jun 2026 at 6:00pm

Welcome to the ABC Sport NRL live blog

By Michael Doyle

Good evening, Australia.

Welcome back to ABC Sport's live digital coverage of the 2026 NRL premiership season.

Tonight, round 16 of the premiership begins with just one match:

Newcastle Knights vs St George Illawarra Dragons

The Knights can end the evening inside the NRL top four, while the Dragons are searching for just their second win in 2026.

Be part of the conversation and join the blog throughout the evening by letting us know your thoughts in the comment section.

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