Newcastle have secured their spot in the 2023 finals series with a 32-6 victory over the Sharks but the result could come at a cost after a shoulder injury to superstar Kalyn Ponga. Ponga was at his electric best to score a try and play a part in two more as the Knights extended their winning streak to eight, but a sell-out crowd was left silent momentarily when the star fullback was floored in a tackle by Jesse Ramien. Scans will determine the severity of an AC joint issue for Ponga and his right shoulder but more importantly for the Knights they can afford to be without him for at least next week against the Dragons with a home final all but locked in. Both sides were locked at 6-6 at the break before the Knights powered ahead by 12 with converted tries to Bradman Best and Dominic Young setting up a handy lead. Another try to Best, where Ponga was hit heavily by Ramien in the lead-up, quickly followed with a big effort from Greg Marzhew with the Knights running in 32 unanswered points. Earlier, a no try ruling to Young denied the Knights early before Cronulla crossed first on the right edge through Connor Tracey to stun the sold-out crowd on Old Boys day. Ponga's stellar season in attack on the left edge continued with the Knights fullback getting on the outside of Matt Moylan to get the home side on the board. A see-sawing first half saw both sides have opportunities to score further points but gutsy finals-like defence shut down any attacking raids. The Sharks appeared to be over once more when Briton Nikora broke through the line twice but a big effort from Dylan Lucas denied the back-rower with the NRL Bunker ruling he lost the ball. Young was then bundled into touch down the other end with the try-line beckoning with Braydon Trindall coming up with a second try-saving effort of the afternoon. Trindall's efforts were as far as it got for the visitors, however, with the Knights producing a second half masterclass led by Ponga with five-straight tries. An individual effort from Lucas, who broke through the line and then got around Tracey for his first NRL try, got the party started in the Hunter and sets up a Sharks date with the Raiders next week that will be a must-win for both sides. Source: NRL.Com