We've reached the halfway point of the 2025 NRL season, and the competition is still tighter than ever. Just six points separate 5th place from last, meaning the Top 8 could look very different come finals time.
With all 17 clubs still in the hunt for a playoff berth, one thing is clear: no side in this competition is invincible.
What is the chink in your club's armor? We analyse every club's kryptonite as we inch closer to finals footy.
9Newcastle Knights: Relying too much on Kalyn Ponga
runs with the ball during the round 20 NRL match between Newcastle Knights and Wests Tigers at McDonald Jones Stadium on July 14, 2023 in Newcastle, Australia. (Photo by Scott Gardiner/Getty Images)
Kalyn Ponga's star power is immeasurable. He is a certified freak who has proven his talent time and time again.
This has been his blessing and his curse, as it seems the Newcastle Knights are beginning to depend far too much on his ability to earn wins, regardless of his form.
With Fletcher Sharpe now out for the season, this trend of leaning on Ponga looks set to continue.
While this has worked for the club in the past, their star fullback's form has been shaky at best this year, which has resulted in minimal success as we reach the halfway point of the season.
If the Maroons star can kick back into his 2023 form ASAP, we could see the Knights inch closer towards premiership contention; however, it's not looking likely at this rate.
The Knights are another side that is already unlikely to win a title, but if the club continues to lean on Ponga for success, we could see this year's failures seep into 2026 as well.
