Ponga was a chance to play in the 10-6 win over the Warriors but failed a fitness test which then ruled him out of Queensland selection.

The Knights are hopeful their star fullback can get through a full two-week block of training before their next clash against the Cowboys on July 3, which will unite the spine for the first time since early last year.

"We'll take this week as it comes," said coach Adam O'Brien.

"He's got a pretty thorough training program to get through this week and if he does all of that then I'm really confident he'll play in the next game."

It comes after halfback Mitchell Pearce made a solid return from a 10-week lay off with a pectoral injury in Saturday's victory.

The 32-year-old linked up with five-eighth Jake Clifford for the first time and showed his experience in testing Warriors fullback Reece Walsh with floating bombs in the torrential rain.

"What a game to return in," O'Brien said.

"As a half, he's dreaming about his return, he's probably not thinking cyclonic conditions.

"We were a better team for having Mitchell out there and we'll be a better team in the next game by having him with this group at training.

"When we get Kalyn back, we get this spine playing and training together, we're obviously going to get better and better. A big back end of the year for us."

The Knights sit two points out of the NRL's top eight with a bye up their sleeve and a favourable draw to finish the season.

They play just Sydney Roosters and Melbourne of the top sides, as well as Brisbane twice, Canterbury, Gold Coast, Canberra and Cronulla.

"We've spoken about the back end of the year, getting some personnel back, and getting on a roll," O'Brien said.

"There is some congestion around some teams on the ladder, so tonight was worth four points.

"We haven't had a bye yet so that's going to help."

Australian Associated Press