Kalyn Ponga makes huge call on Knights future as Adam O'Brien exit claims take a turn

Yahoo

21 hours ago

Newcastle Knights fullback Kalyn Ponga has committed his future to the club having expressed his excitement at the project the team is building as coach Adam O'Brien's exit at the end of the season is not a 'foregone conclusion'. The Knights have embroiled in plenty of drama this week with reports emerging Ponga was looking to leave before the end of his contract to chase opportunities presenting themselves in rugby union.
Ponga still has two years still to run on a deal worth $1.4 million per season. The club was rocked with the news, but it came as reports emerged Newcastle were already looking at replacing coach O'Brien after the season was completed.
The Knights have had a horror injury run in recent weeks - with Ponga ruled out for the season - but sit in 13th with a tough draw remaining to see out the season. And despite speculation Ponga could be looking at a new opportunity in rugby, the Queensland and Knights fullback has moved to quell all noise and commit his future to the club.
Taking to social media on Thursday, the fullback said he is excited for the next step for the club with the likes of Parramatta Eels playmaker Dylan Brown arriving next year. "Committed to the end of 2027. Excited about the vision of the club. Appreciate those that support me," he wrote accompanied with a picture of him celebrating a try in front of the home crowd.
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Ponga committing to the club is a massive win for the fans who have supported the fullback throughout his journey. With the likes of Brown joining the side and playing in the halves, it should give the team a massive boost for the 2026 season. And while the Knights' No.1 man is ready to fight for the jersey, it remains to be seen who will be coaching the side next year.
Adam O'Brien future in doubt in Newcastle
Newcastle bosses are also reportedly preparing to part ways with coach Adam O'Brien at season's end, and are willing to pay him out $1.2 million. A number of candidates have been linked to the job, but speaking on Thursday morning reporter Michael Carayannis suggested it isn't a foregone conclusion O'Brien won't be there next year.
"There has been lots of innuendo about firstly, Adam O'Brien's future...I don't think it's a foregone conclusion that Adam O'Brien is not the coach of the Newcastle Knights next year. That's the conversation I've had with people," Carayannis said on SEN Radio.
"It's not a certainty that he won't be there...I wouldn't necessarily call him a dead man walking yet." The Knights are reportedly giving O'Brien eight weeks to show improvement in the side. However, the club face a tough run with the likes of Warriors, Raiders and Panthers.