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In-stadium commentary at Mt SmartWill Newcastle’s knight in shining armour stay put?
Nicholas Quinlan • May 23rd, 2025 12:27 pm
Corey Parker and Andrew McCullough believe that Newcastle’s Kalyn Ponga may be on the move and have thrown up an unexpected club that he could go to.
Ponga’s future at the Knights has been questioned across the last few weeks.
His contract with Newcastle doesn’t expire until 2027 which means he can’t freely negotiate a new deal until November 1, 2026.
But rumours have been swirling around the Queensland fullback being discontent with the team. And with poor results which see the Knights sit 16th on the ladder, it has only increased the speculation and possibility of an early release.
Both Parker and McCullough were in agreement that Ponga would not play out the rest of his career at the Knights, believing that his desire to win a premiership outweighs his loyalty to Newcastle.
This is despite the Knights best efforts to keep him content having signed Dylan Brown on a 10-year $13 million contract starting next season.
“I’m going to say probably not,” McCullough said on SENQ Breakfast.
“They’ve (Newcastle) gone with Dylan Brown and that’s probably a KP type thing to get some other players to really entice him to stay.
“But if that doesn’t come to fruition with Dylan Brown, if he’s managed by his dad, then he’s probably looking elsewhere. Because we all know KP wants to win.
“And if that team doesn’t see some projectile into higher honours in the September, October period, then it would be unfair not to go.”
Parker threw up the possibility that Ponga could sign for the Perth Bears citing his connection to the state having lived in Western Australia until the age of two.
“I think he’s leaving, and I’ve got him pitched up at the Perth Bears,” he said.
“He was born in WA…”
McCullough was quick to interject. He believes that just because Ponga has a connection to Perth doesn’t automatically mean that he will play for the side.
“There’s always a little bit of speculation if someone’s got a touch of Perth about it,” he added.
“But look, for him, I think he’s every chance of leaving if things don’t change.”
Newcastle has a tough assignment ahead to get back to winning ways. They face off against the Penrith Panthers in Bathurst on Saturday twilight.
The loser of this clash could find themselves on the bottom of the ladder if Parramatta can beat the Sea Eagles on Friday night.
