Ponga’s amazing season and the journey that inspired a comeback, from worries for his future to Dally M

The 2023 Dally M Medallist, Knights star Kalyn Ponga, has completed an incredible season and made a miraculous comeback from a string of concussions that many believed would ruin her career.

The outstanding performance of the Newcastle fullbacks was capped off by Tamika Upton’s win of the NRLW Dally M Medal of the Year.

After a horrific head knock against the Tigers in Round 2, Ponga, 25, who was scarred for a concussion, stormed home to win the men’s prize.

Ponga had his fourth concussion in ten months as a result of the incident, which led to the NRL changing its policies to require layoffs for severe head trauma.

Ponga went to Canada for additional testing, and there were even rumors that he could have to give up his boots too soon. But in Round 8, he went back to the park and found some brilliant form that served as the impetus for the Knights’ last-ditch assault.

Ponga garnered 56 votes in the end, and after Round 23, he was eight points behind Shaun Johnson. He regained the lead in the last round.

He now stands with Danny Buderus (2004) and Immortal Andrew Johns (1998, 1999, 2002) on Newcastle’s Dally M honor roll.

When the Knights star received his first Dally M Medal, he brought his mother along to the event and was visibly moved.

There is a lot of skill in this league, so it’s a really strange feeling to be up here in front of them. I feel incredibly fortunate, humbled, and honored.

“My family, my teammates, and the coaching staff are just a few of the many people I want to thank. This couldn’t happen without you.

“And the way I felt and played this year isn’t possible without your support, love and belief in me.

“I had an early season holiday and while I was over there (in Canada) I decided I wanted to stop letting people down and start making people proud and I think I came back and did that.

Indeed, what a year it has been. I’m jealous of the boys playing this weekend, and I wish them the best of luck. I’d like to thank everyone.

Upton, meantime, praised her team’s achievements this season, noting that they recovered after losing a number of well-known players, such as Millie Boyle and Jakiya Whitfeld.

Upton stated, “I have a good number of people to thank for this; it’s definitely not an individual award.”

“I’ll start with the Newcastle club. I feel that the personnel and everyone involved have supported me since the day I walked through the door.

“That extends to my teammates; I consider myself fortunate to be surrounded by the most incredible employees and individuals. It is truly an honor for me to be a member of that group.

“I began my career there, along with the Broncos girl.” That’s why I’m also grateful for that club.

It’s difficult to live away from home, to be honest, even though I know my family back home is supporting me.

However, I must also give the Southwell family a special shout-out since having a home away from home is truly amazing.

However, my friends and relatives back home have always encouraged me, so I can sense their affection. Many thanks for it.