Newcastle Knights confident skipper Kalyn Ponga will be cleared to play against Canberra

KNIGHTS coach Adam O'Brien is confident skipper Kalyn Ponga will be cleared to play against Canberra this week despite the sickening head knock he suffered in Sunday's 42-6 loss to Penrith.

RULED OUT: Kalyn Ponga watched most of Sunday's loss to Penrith from the sideline after suffering a concussion.

Ponga was left spreadeagled on the turf and needed to be helped from the field after a desperate attempt to prevent a try by Panthers back-rower Viliame Kikau in the 15^th minute.