Knights unsettled at the power Kalyn Ponga and his dad wield at club
Rival NRL clubs didn’t suspect Newcastle “had the balls” to pull a three-year deal for star player Kalyn Ponga and predict the club could “put it back on the table.”
The Daily Telegraph revealed on Sunday that the Knights had decided to withdraw a $3.3m contract extension for their champion fullback – a story which sent rugby league into meltdown.
Despite some denials, The Daily Telegraph stands by the story.
Well-placed sources close to Ponga and the club reaffirmed on Monday that the new offer – for 2025, 2026 and 2027 - had been taken off the table.
There are elements within the club that want the offer to be resurrected but others in high places claim the club has to move on from Ponga.
A final decision will be reached when
CEO Phil Gardner returns from holidaying in Hawaii next week.
Ponga and his father, Andre, wield considerable power at the club – a fact which has unsettled several senior figures.
Some NRL clubs were stunned at the Ponga situation with one prominent CEO saying: “I didn’t think Newcastle had the balls to pull the offer. Kalyn and his dad have some sway at the club. I wouldn’t be surprised if they put it back on the table.”
Last week, Ponga agreed to the new long-term deal at Newcastle – and his third party agreements - but he and Andre wanted to announce it on their terms, a decision which frustrated the club.
While his sublime skill is undoubted, some at Newcastle also believe Ponga’s $1.1m annual contract is excessive.
There is a theory among former Knights players that the club wanted to play some contractual argy-bargy by bringing the issue to a head. The situation is fluid.
One NRL head coach said: “I reckon the club wants to take back some control. It seems Kalyn and Andre have a lot of influence at the club.
“You’d think it would come to a head and get sorted. If that happens, I reckon the offer might be back on the table but who knows? Do Newcastle have the gumption to offload Kalyn?”
Ponga can still trigger a clause in his favour which would keep him at Newcastle until the end of his existing deal in 2024.
The Dolphins want Ponga to become the face of Moreton Bay. Rugby league’s newest club also has considerable interest in Melbourne’s Cameron Munster, who comes off contract after next season.
Those close to the Dolphins have no doubt coach Wayne Bennett would “bring out the best” in Ponga.
Ponga was asked about the contract speculation moments after his side’s loss to St George Illawarra on Sunday.
“I don’t worry about it, all I am thinking about right now is the loss. I know what I am feeling, but that’s between me and my management,” Ponga said.
“I know you guys (media) want to know and I hope you (can) respect I (want to) announce this on my terms.”
A Queensland State of Origin champion, Ponga, 24, has until round ten to trigger an option for the remaining two years of his current Knights contract.
