Kalyn Ponga looks set to stay put in Newcastle after his dad ruled out any chance of a code-switch to rugby union and revealed the major draw card that will likely keep his son at the Knights.
Ponga has one of the more intricate contracts in the NRL. The 23-year-old is signed to the Knights until the end of 2024 but he has an option in his favour for the final two seasons — and doesn’t have a decision deadline looming.
The Dolphins have held talks with Ponga, while he has previously shared his interest in playing for the All Blacks.
However, in an interview with News Corp, Ponga’s dad, Andre, has indicated his son isn’t going anywhere thanks to the appointment of Knights legend Andrew Johns in a coaching consultant role.
“Andrew Johns coming back is massive and that is a huge factor for Kalyn,” Andre said.
“We know Kalyn has options, but all the talk about who is interested in him and what could happen, it’s not relevant really.
“He hasn’t put himself forward to play for the Maori All Stars, so that’s a good example of Kalyn’s commitment to the Knights.
“He wants to be the best he can be in 2022.
“Kalyn is very happy at the Knights. He is very close to their recruitment chief Clint Zammit, he first signed Kalyn and has played a big role in his career, and having ‘Joey’ at the club will be huge for his development.
“The main reason to stay in Newcastle is to win a premiership. Obviously, it’s a team sport and everything has to align, but Kalyn believes he can win a premiership at the Knights.
“We’re in no rush (with his contract). We don’t have to make a call by July.
“If you look too far ahead in this game, the ‘now’ part doesn’t happen. Kalyn is chasing that premiership. He wants success for Newcastle.”
Andre’s revelation is a huge blow for the Wayne Bennett’s Dolphins. Bennett has led an impressive recruitment drive including Storm trio Felise Kaufusi and the Bromwich brothers. However he is yet to land a marquee player.
News Corp reports the Dolphins are conscious of the fact they would have to fork out around $1.3 million per season to lure Ponga to the club — something that could end up being a deterrent.
Andre admitted a move to the Dolphins is something his son “has to weigh up” but reiterated the opportunity of working with the eighth Immortal, Johns, at the Knights.
“It’s a good question,” he said.
“Kalyn has to weigh up whether he could win a premiership with a new club like the Dolphins. They have signed a few experienced players like the Bromwich boys and Felise Kaufusi.
“But when you have a mentor like Andrew Johns ... how do you walk away from that?”
But when it comes to a switch to rugby union, Andre said: “No, rugby isn’t an option.
“With Covid, you have to strip everything back to simplicity now. Nothing is for sure these days with travel and Kalyn is at that age where he wants some stability,” he added.
“Rugby has changed so much in the world with Covid since we did Kalyn’s contract in 2020.
“The rugby conversation isn’t really an issue. He has goals he wants to achieve in the NRL. We aren’t thinking about it to be honest.”
