Knights superstar Kalyn Ponga linked with shock $2m NRL defection

News.com.au

a day ago

Knights superstar Kalyn Ponga is reportedly being targeted by overseas rugby union franchises, who are plotting an audacious bid to recruit the gun fullback.
According to Code Sports, French and English rugby clubs have reportedly made inquiries to garner Ponga's potential interest in making a switch to the 15-man code.
FOX LEAGUE, available on Kayo Sports, is the only place to watch every game of every round in the 2025 NRL Telstra Premiership, LIVE with no ad-breaks during play. New to Kayo? Get your first month for just $1. Limited-time offer >
The 27-year-old is currently contracted until the end of the 2027 season, with the threat of a poaching road by the Perth Bears also lingering for Knights powerbrokers.
However, his reported $1.4 million Newcastle salary could be overshadowed by the potential $2 million deals on offer in European rugby.
Ponga was born in Port Hedland, Western Australia, but has consistently been linked with rugby after spending his high school years playing for Churchie's First XV.
He has also made no secret of his desire to one day represent the All Blacks, which a move to rugby could kickstart should he wish to follow that path.
Ponga also reportedly is passionate about the Knights and the Maroons, who he will represent in the No. 1 jersey in Game 2 of the 2025 Origin series on Wednesday.
'Yes, there's been some interest in Kalyn from rugby clubs overseas,' Ponga's father Andre said.
'We've had a few parties calling us saying there's interest, but I try not to listen to managers and other people.
'The interest is from overseas rugby, but it's not a conversation we are worrying about right now.
'There has been talk about Kalyn going overseas at the end of 2027, but Kalyn is staying patient and seeing where the Knights are.
'He doesn't want to be rushed into a decision two years out.
'There's still a lot of time ahead for him. I am always one to say to him, 'See what your options are and then you can make a considered decision about your future'.'
The next Rugby World Cup takes place in 2027, the same year his contract with the Knights expires, meaning it would be unlikely he could feature in that tournament.
Andre Ponga, meanwhile, said he wouldn't push his son to make a switch to the 15-man code.
'To be honest, I would probably encourage him not to go to rugby, but I will always support what Kalyn wants to do, rather than telling him what he should do,' he said.
'There are two more franchises coming into the NRL over the next few years.
'He is coming off-contract at the right time to know what the next phase of his career is going to look like.
'There will be a new salary cap in 2027-28 and they say these are the golden years Kalyn is coming into.'