The Newcastle Knights are preparing to open talks with their superstar fullback Kalyn Ponga for what could be the richest player deal in rugby league history.
The back end of the contract would potentially be worth $2 million a season to Ponga — depending on the
next NRL’s next TV broadcast deal and the effect it will have on Newcastle’s salary cap.
The 26-year-old is under contract until the end of 2027 but the club wants to add at least another three years to that agreement to fend off interest from big spending rivals.
It would put an end to the constant speculation that billionaire Sydney Roosters boss Nick Politis has his chequebook poised to make a big play for the Knights’ No.1.
Knights recruitment boss Peter O’Sullivan is not concerned about reports of interest from the Roosters to make him a long-term replacement for James Tedesco.
“It doesn’t worry me one iota,” O’Sullivan said.
“I know how much he loves Newcastle.
“I know he’s happy and playing the best footy of his career.”
The Knights have now locked down key players Dylan Brown, Fletcher Sharpe and Phoenix Crossland on long term agreements.
“I’ll go to Kalyn and his dad at some stage — probably in the next couple of weeks — and see if they want to sit down,” O’Sullivan said.
“They understandably wanted to see how we are tracking before committing.”
