Newcastle Knights superstar Kalyn Ponga could rip up contract and walk out on club
Ponga has a lucrative contract that ends in 2027 but could possibly walk out on the embattled club as early as this year.
It has been reported by the Sydney Morning Herald that the 27-year-old 'has engaged the services of a New Zealand rugby union agent'.
Ponga reportedly feels he is wasting his prime years as a player at the Knights, who have endured another disappointing season with just six wins and 11 losses so far.
The SMH also reports that key decision makers at the club are also hatching a plan 'to part ways with coach Adam O'Brien'.
O'Brien, who hit a contract trigger last year, is also tied to the club until the end of 2027.
Ponga was born in Australia but has New Zealand parents.
And he has previously hinted that he would be keen to play with the All Blacks.
In an interview last year he said his New Zealand roots were a 'very important' part of his heritage.
'It's who I am. It's the values and morals embedded in me through my uncles and my Dad,' he said.
'There's been a cloud over my head as to what I'm doing with my allegiance.'
The Ponga camp, thus far, has made no official approach to the Knights about an early exit from the club.
However, there is a suggestion that some people at the Knights would be open to a Ponga exit.
Ponga's deal is estimated at $1.4 million a season.
If he departed, the club could free up salary cap space and Fletcher Sharpe could play in his natural position at fullback.
Sports journalist Brent Read said Ponga was also being shopped around to European rugby clubs.
'He's contracted with the Knights until the end of 2027. But, an agent, a New Zealand-based agent, rugby union agent, has been shopping Kalyn around Europe,' Reid said on NRL 360.
'Now, I've been in contact with the Ponga camp today and I didn't really get a straight answer out of them.
'But what I've gleaned from their text messages is if he's being shopped around Europe, it's being done without them giving the agent the green light.
'That's what's happening at the moment with Kalyn Ponga, he's being shopped, his name's been mentioned by this rebel rugby competition that's going on at the moment, so he is on the radar of rugby union clubs.'
If Ponga was to cross codes, he would have a year to get ready for the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia.
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