Newcastle Knights may face the prospect of losing their star fullback, Kalyn Ponga, as he has reportedly enlisted a New Zealand rugby union agent. At 27 years old, Ponga has yet to secure a premiership title and feels that his prime playing years are being wasted with the club. He is currently contracted to the Knights until 2027, with an annual salary of $1.4 million.
Though Ponga has not officially requested a release, sources indicate that the Knights’ management would be open to discussions should such a request arise. If he chooses to remain, Newcastle could find themselves allocating $2.8 million of their salary cap to Ponga and new recruit Dylan Brown, who is set to join the club next season.
In the event of Ponga’s departure, Fletcher Sharpe is poised to take over the fullback position, which would give the Knights the opportunity to target a halfback or five-eighth, depending on how they position Brown in the team lineup.
Ponga, who is of Australian descent but has Kiwi parents, has previously expressed his admiration for the All Blacks, calling the chance to play for them “the pinnacle,” adding that donning the jersey would be a significant honour.
This development concerning Ponga comes alongside speculation regarding the future of Knights coach Adam O’Brien, who may face termination at the season’s end. The situation remains fluid as Newcastle contemplates the implications of Ponga’s potential exit.