© Lukas Coch/AAP PHOTOSKalyn Ponga will miss Newcastle's next two NRL matches through injury.
Kalyn Ponga has become the latest player to fall victim to the NRL's Magic Round curse, with the Newcastle superstar ruled out with a groin injury.
The Knights confirmed on Thursday morning that Ponga would miss at least the next two weeks with an adductor issue, with Tex Hoy to play fullback.
Ponga's absence against Wests Tigers makes him the fifth player to feature in the NRL's promotional ad for the Brisbane extravaganza only to be unavailable.
Gold Coast star David Fifita was ruled out on Tuesday when he was banned at the NRL judiciary, while Canberra winger Jordan Rapana is out with a hamstring injury.
The Warriors' David Fusitu'a is sidelined with a hamstring issue and North Queensland flyer Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow has had ankle surgery.
Video: Sterlo's left-field option for Blues' right centre (Wide World of Sports)
Sterlo's left-field option for Blues' right centre
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South Sydney half Adam Reynolds - who opens the ad - is hoping to be beat a thumb injury and play, while Melbourne fullback Ryan Papenhuyzen is listed on an extended bench.
Ponga's injury, meanwhile, represents a significant blow for the Knights.
The 23-year-old missed the opening month of the season with a shoulder injury, with Newcastle 2-2 in his absence.
They at least had Mitchell Pearce at that point, however, the halfback has since been ruled out until at least round 14 due to a pectoral injury.
Blake Green is out due to a rib blow, leaving Kurt Mann to partner 20-year-old Phoenix Crossland in the halves again.
Hooker Jayden Brailey is the only member of the Knights' spine to have played in every game this year.