Kalyn Ponga's honest verdict on Latrell Mitchell rematch ahead of NRL finals fixture

Newcastle skipper Kalyn Ponga hasn't forgotten his last bone-crunching encounter with South Sydney superstar Latrell Mitchell. Mainly because his teammates won't let him. Back in May, Ponga put his body on the line against Mitchell at McDonald Jones Stadium but ended up being rugby league roadkill as the Rabbitohs powerhouse bumped him off and forced his way over the line. Now they're back for round two at Allianz Stadium on Saturday night with the destiny of their respective sides in their hands. Ask Ponga, and he has mixed emotions when it comes to Mitchell's return from a back problem in recent weeks. Of course, he is happy to see a fellow player free from injury. Latrell Mitchell stands over Toby Rodwell after putting on a massive hit. Picture: NRL Imagery On the other hand, he hates the thought of Mitchell running out this weekend given the South Sydney star's love of the big stage and the memories of their last encounter. 'For him, obviously happy,' Ponga said when asked about Mitchell. 'You never want to see anyone out injured. Second thought, I wish he wasn't back. Obviously, like I said, it's good to have him back. 'He is someone that when you go up against him, you obviously think about him a fair bit. He's just so damaging with the footy and then he's probably one of the biggest moments players. 'He's always in the big moments. He's either creating them or he's in them somehow. We've got to, obviously do a good job on him. 'He's one of those players, isn't he?' Kalyn Ponga is no stranger to try-saving tackles. Image: Dan Himbrechts Ponga knows that from first hand experience. Four months ago, the Knights won a thriller at home after fending off an inspirational late charge from Mitchell. The confrontation between Mitchell and Ponga was one of the highlights. 'He runs over me, literally runs over me,' Ponga said. 'The boys show me it all the time after. They were laughing. Honestly I did do my best. I didn't think that he wasn't going to go out, to be honest. 'That's what I mean – he's a freaky talent, he's strong, he's got attributes. That's why, for us, we've got to do a good job. 'I think it's more amazing what he did than not amazing what I did. You know what I mean? Like, it's more of an amazing moment than bad for me. 'I would say I threw nearly everything at him. It's more well done to him.' Mitchell will no doubt be at the forefront of Newcastle's planning this week. The Rabbitohs' highest-profile players is two games into his comeback and ominously punched out 80 mins in a big win over the Sydney Roosters last Friday night. Latrell Mitchell at training. Image: Jeremy Piper Ponga, meanwhile, has enjoyed another standout season for the Knights fuelled by his desire to win a premiership at the club. 'That sort of drives me every year, every training day, every game day, whatever,' he said. 'It's definitely something I think about every day. It's nice to feel like these next few years – or this year – it's quite possible. 'Obviously got to work hard and nothing's guaranteed. A lot of boys are re-signing, the coach is in a good position, the club's in a good position. A lot of hard work to be done, but it's nice.' Brent Read Senior Sports Writer Brent Read is one of rugby league's agenda setters but is also among the nation's most well-known golf writers. He also covers Olympic sports, writing with authority, wit and enthusiasm. Brent began his career in sport as a soccer player, playing with the Brisbane Strikers in the NSL. @brentread_7 Brent Read