![Kalyn Ponga. Picture by Max Mason-Hubers Kalyn Ponga. Picture by Max Mason-Hubers](/images/transform/v1/crop/frm/max.mckinney/4b487586-6723-4362-b0f8-9437e64a2ccc.jpg/r0_420_5402_3469_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg)
KNIGHTS skipper Kalyn Ponga faces an intensive training regimen over the next fortnight to prepare for his likely return against North Queensland in round eight.
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The playmaker, who has missed the past three games following a nasty head knock in round two, has been given the all-clear from doctors to resume full-contract training but due to his limited activity in recent weeks will target playing his old club in Townsville on April 22.
The 25-year-old only returned at the weekend from Vancouver, Canada, where he underwent neurological tests using technology not available in Australia.
The trip followed consultation with local concussion expert and University of Newcastle Conjoint Professor of Neurology Chris Levi.
Ponga's most recent concussion was his fourth in only 10 months.
"We are comfortable with the objective evidence from our independent testing, indicating normalisation of his cognitive function," Knights football director Peter Parr said in a statement Thursday.
"Kalyn has recovered well from his recent concussion, however he has had limited specific training due to the amount of travel he has had to undertake in recent weeks.
"We will now focus on building his physical and tactical performance, with an aim to return in round eight against the North Queensland Cowboys."
Ponga has completed basic conditioning drills on his own at Knights training in the month since his concussion.
He will have 16 days to prepare to face the Cowboys, which will be his 100th NRL appearance.
He will have missed five matches should he return as planned.
Newcastle have consecutive home games before the trip north, facing the Warriors on Sunday night and then Penrith on Saturday week.
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