It lets me read it through google, but not when clicking the link above. Anyway.
Johnathan Thurston believes Kalyn Ponga made a mistake by signing with Newcastle
COWBOYS champion Johnathan Thurston fears young gun Kalyn Ponga has made a mistake by quitting North Queensland to chase a $3 million payday at Newcastle.
Such is Thurston’s regard for Ponga, the Maroons maestro revealed he privately spoke to the teenage sensation about the benefits of pledging his future to the Cowboys.
Ponga ultimately opted for the Knights and many in the rugby league fraternity, including former Broncos skipper Justin Hodges, believes the 18-year-old made the wrong call.
Thurston says he has no doubt Ponga has the talent to succeed in the NRL, but concedes the attacking whiz has chosen a difficult road at the embattled Knights.
Told of Hodges’ view that Ponga erred by choosing Newcastle, Thurston said: “That’s what we all believe. But he has made the decision and he’s going.
“He will make it in the NRL. But the Knights ... it’s going to be a tough initiation to start his career.
“I spoke to him, of course, about staying.
“It’s going to be hard for Kalyn. The Knights have got some great talent coming through but they are a little while away from having success.”
Hodges can understand why Ponga found it impossible to resist Newcastle’s big-money offer, but says the youngster will pay the price for putting dollars ahead of development.
The former Maroons centre is adamant Ponga would have been better off serving an NRL apprenticeship alongside Thurston and Matt Scott at the Cowboys.
“He will be under massive pressure in Newcastle,” Hodges said.
“To be honest, he should have stayed at the Cowboys and learned from JT and Matt Scott and ‘Greeny’ (Paul Green) as coach.
“Going to Newcastle next season on big money as their big signing ... he puts so much pressure on himself and he doesn’t need it so early.
“When you get the money Kalyn will get, there will be massive expectation. If he doesn’t succeed, the fans and the media will come down on him, his own teammates will come down on him.
“I would have liked to see Kalyn grow at the Cowboys, so hopefully he is given time to develop.”
Australian coach Mal Meninga urged Newcastle coach Nathan Brown to provide extra off-field support for Ponga.
“I feel sorry for the kid,” Meninga said.
“He is such a prodigious talent, but 13-a-side footy is different to Nines footy and there is a defensive aspect to it all. I have no doubt Kalyn will make it, but having so much pressure at a club that is rebuilding, I hope he doesn’t find it too difficult and the club can protect him.
“There’s no doubt the money will put pressure on him. Kalyn couldn’t resist an offer like that but he will have to deliver. I hope everyone gives him time to grow and learn, and know that age is a factor.
“I just hope the Knights provide a support network for him. He is on a steep learning curve and he will be thrown to the wolves, but eventually he has the talent and the attitude to make it.”
