The Newcastle Knights have re-signed star fullback Kalyn Ponga until the end of the 2024 NRL season.
Newcastle have re-signed star fullback Kalyn Ponga for four seasons in one of the most important deals in the club’s history.
The deal is believed to be worth around $4.4 million, which will make him one of the highest paid players in the NRL.
The 22-year-old Queensland fullback was originally signed until the end of next year with an option for 2022, but has opted to remain with the Knights as they chase their first premiership since 2001.
“It’s no secret I want to win a comp in Newcastle, I want to hold the trophy up here,” Ponga said.
“It’s very exciting and a very proud moment for myself and my family.
“We’re building towards something and I can definitely feel it. It’s something that I want to be a part of and I’m excited to be a part of.”
The contract puts to bed speculation Ponga was eyeing a code switch to rugby union in time for the 2023 World Cup.
Ponga qualifies to play for New Zealand and has previously spoken about his respect for the All Blacks, but on Tuesday he reiterated his love for Newcastle and a desire to bring success to the area.
After Canberra made the NRL decider last year, the Knights now have the longest grand final drought in the game – their last appearance was with the Andrew Johns-led 2001 premiership team.
Under new coach Adam O’Brien and on the back of Ponga’s long-term deal with the club, it’s hoped the Knights can achieve long-awaited success.
Andre Ponga, Kalyn’s father, helped negotiate the deal with the Knights, but it was never about the money.
“For us as a family it’s never been about the car in the garage or the brand of T-shirt that you’re wearing or the expensive steak at dinner,” Kalyn said.
“It’s always been about where you are, who you’re with and the memories that you can make.
“I’ve been very fortunate that my Mum and Dad have been there for me this whole journey even when times were tough really early on.”
matth
Roar Guru
I hope you're wrong too, we need him to bring the Origin trophy back to where it rightfully belongs!
matth
Roar Guru
It's early days, but the new Newcastle coach looks the goods.
Manly Magic
Guest
Ok just going to put it out there that Manly have had the best Fullbacks of all time, Wombat, The Prince and Turbo. Slater will always be tinged with the “Cheaters” tag as will Smith. Hindmarsh is at least right about that.
Shane
Roar Pro
Great to see the Knights sign their marquee man, surely the Broncs and Storm were sniffing around.
Succhi
Roar Rookie
It’s a big call for the Knights. They seem to have a few good young guys coming through that will be looking at that contract. I haven’t seen all the Knight games, but the ones I’ve seen, I can’t say Ponga was dominant. Tedesco is certainly the benchmark now.
Hard Yards
Roar Rookie
I don’t want to jinx the young fella, but my instinct tells me that this is not going to end well. There is just something - missing, I can’t put my finger on it. Hope I’m wrong.
Hard Yards
Roar Rookie
Wombat was stunning. Such power. Demon defender. You could have used him to carve out tunnels for the Freeways. There have been some great FBs over the years, but pound for pound he is hard to beat. Of course, they made peanuts in those days.
jimmmy
Roar Rookie
Well the Kights now have the coach, they have the FB& they have the halback . They have a strike centre and an A grade Prop. Next year they also get Frizelle. The odds of one of these teams randomly winning a premiership in the next five years (let's say by picking a name from a hat ) is 55%. I'm going to say that the Dragons have much less than a random chance of taking it out and I'm going to say the Knights have much more than a random chance of taking it out so I'll stick with 55% . So yes probably one will.
Train Without A Station
Roar Guru
Probably neither
Birdy
Roar Rookie
The old wombat is my favourite fullback of all time.He could slide like a crafty halfback, dummy and step with the best and could never resist smashing his way through the line. Shame he never wore the black and gold.
jimmmy
Roar Rookie
Does this mean Ponga and Ben Hunt are on about the same coin? One of these two will lead their side to a premiership. Who will it be?
Big Daddy
Guest
Geez Bill, your underselling the old "Wombat".
Chris Love
Roar Guru
Yep. Too much loyalty to other outside backs that had won them their first tittle and were under performing.
Bill
Guest
This is Slater V Stewart all over again... history repeating itself with Tommy being injury prone and Teddy on a good run. Sliding doors scenario and Manly have the 2 greatest FB's of all time in my very arrogant and biased opinion :laughing:
Joe
Roar Rookie
I thought Turbo comprehensively outpointed Teddy in their second round match which Manly won and I'd go further and say they won because of Toms performance....and that with Teddy playing in a better team. Add to that Tom is only 23!
PNG Broncos fan88
Roar Guru
Why Brisbane, why???!! Could have locked up this kid a long time ago :crying: :crying:
DNZ
Guest
This Raiders think there's not much between Turbo and Teddy, and a huge gap between them and Ponga for the time being.
Eelsalmighty
Roar Rookie
Nope, not "poor", thanks to him being so overpaid.
Adam
Roar Guru
Poor Darius :laughing:
Adam
Roar Guru
I actually agree...Tommy is actually all class