2 months ago
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Kalyn Ponga is reportedly considering leaving the Newcastle Knights at the end of this season and could be eyeing up a cross-code switch to play rugby union.
The Sydney Morning Herald states that the 27-year-old full-back has started to look for other opportunities away from the Knights and has hired a New Zealand rugby union agent as he looks for new opportunities.
The Western Australia-born star, who has played with the Knights since 2018, has two years left on his bumper $1.4million-a-season contract.
But the former Queensland representative is understood to be 'concerned about wasting the prime years of his career' with the Knights.
Sources close to the situation have added that the footy star, who had previously played for North Queensland, could be ready to depart as early as the end of the 2025 season.
It comes as Newcastle are also weighing up the future of their coach Adam O'Brien, with Powerbrokers planning to sack the coach, whose contract also expires in 2027, at the conclusion of the current campaign.
The struggling Knights have been left fearing that their star man, Ponga, could leave for some time, with Michael Chammas of the Sydney Morning Herald having revealed the club was growing concerned in May that if the side's form did not improve, Ponga could leave.
Should the 2023 Dally M medallist leave the club, the Knights would see a huge shift in their salary cap. It may mean that the footy club could bring in a fresh option at stand-off.
Newcastle also have Fletcher Sharpe, who can take Ponga's position at full-back.
While Ponga has not explicitly asked to be released, the footy star's management are willing to negotiate terms of a release.
Ponga's decision to hire a Kiwi rugby union agent comes at an interesting time in the footy calendar.
The emergence of the lucrative R360 competition is reportedly set to start in 2026, while the Rugby World Cup is set to follow a year later in Australia.
Some European rugby union clubs have also been contacted about the potential availability of Ponga, according to reports.
While Ponga was born in Port Hedland, WA, he has Maori heritage through his parents.
He has also been capped by the Maori All Stars on three occasions.
Ponga has previously spoken on his desire to represent the All Blacks.
'I think it’s [The All Blacks] the pinnacle. Well, they are. They’re the best sporting organisation in the world... so to put that jersey on would be pretty special,' he said back in 2018.
And New Zealand coach, Scott Robertson, suggested earlier this year that he'd love to bring Ponga on board.
'He did it a few years ago as well, showing his interest,' Robertson said, when quizzed on a potential move to snap up Ponga.
'If he comes to us, we'll have a conversation. You always keep the door open. He's a hell of a player.'
The Knights captain has featured 13 times for his side this year, scoring once, while setting up nine tries.
