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Sam Kosack • July 14th, 2025 10:41 pm
Knights' superstar Kalyn Ponga has reportedly engaged a New Zealand Rugby agent, indicating a potential desire to leave Newcastle early.
Ponga, the Knights’ captain, is worried he is wasting the prime of his career as the Knights continue to struggle down the bottom of the ladder, according to the Sydney Morning Herald’s Michael Chammas.
While Ponga has not requested a release, there are concerns at Newcastle that Ponga could want out of the club despite still having two years left on his contract.
SEN’s Scott Sattler suggests there must be disharmony within Newcastle causing Ponga to explore alternative options.
“I've heard that he's very frustrated (and) a number of players are very frustrated,” Sattler said on SEN 1170 Sportsday.
“There's not pure alignment when it comes to all the coaches and are they all on the same page.
“Some players will… go and get advice from other coaches, and that's not ideal.
“I hope this doesn't happen, but you've gotta probably realize that if Kalyn doesn't want to be there anymore at Newcastle, the only club that could really afford him will be Perth at the end of next year.
“And whether he's willing to stay in Newcastle for another year, I'm not quite sure.”
The news of Ponga’s potential departure breaks the same day that the Knights are reportedly looking to move on coach Adam O’Brien.
Former Kangaroos and Wallabies star Mat Rogers thinks Ponga could star in rugby union, and questions what the Knights need to do to keep their fullback due to his importance to the club beyond the footy field.
“I love Kalyn Ponga as a footballer… it's been a bit of a one-man band,” Rogers said.
“I think he'd be a great rugby union player. I'd much prefer to see him in a Wallabies jersey rather than an All Blacks one though.
“I would maybe involve him in… the selection of the next coach. Some players are pretty special so that’s what you want to hold on to.”
Sattler offered, however, that, despite the initial shock, it may make sense for the Knights to potentially investigate releasing Ponga.
“When you weigh up injury wise and, and games on field, and from a salary cap perspective, it would also make sense to entertain the idea,” Sattler added.
“If that's the way they need to go and leave a lot of money left in their salary cap to try and go and explore other options.
“It makes sense.”
The Knights salary cap was due to get tighter next season with the arrival of Dylan Brown on the richest NRL deal ever, however, that was slightly offset by the losses of Jackson Hastings, Leo Thompson, and Kai Pearce Paul.
