Kalyn Ponga set up both tries as Newcastle snuck into the NRL's top eight and ended the Dolphins' dream of playing finals in their second season.

Finals have come a week early for Newcastle, who must defeat the Dolphins in the last round of the regular season to book their top-eight spot.

Finals have come a week early for Newcastle, who must defeat the Dolphins in the last round of the regular season to book their top-eight spot.

Kalyn Ponga, Mark Nawaqanitawase and out-of-form Canterbury all grabbed headlines across the final round of the NRL's regular season.

Felise Kaufusi is free to play in the must-win game against Newcastle in a massive boost for the Dolphins' hopes of clinching a top-eight berth.

Felise Kaufusi is free to play in the must-win game against Newcastle in a massive boost for the Dolphins' hopes of clinching a top-eight berth.

Red and blue fever took hold of 30,000 fans who descended on McDonald Jones Stadium yesterday to see the Knights take on the Dolphins for the 8th spot...

Newcastle coach Adam O'Brien expects a tense finish to his side's must-win match against the Dolphins, with the winner guaranteed a berth in the NRL...

Newcastle coach Adam O'Brien expects a tense finish to his side's must-win match against the Dolphins, with the winner guaranteed a berth in the NRL...

He burst onto the scene eight years ago with an eye-catching display on debut for the Cowboys, but Kalyn Ponga now returns to Townsville carrying the...