Kalyn Ponga linked with bombshell Knights exit as star fullback fears he's wasting his prime
According to the Sydney Morning Herald, the 27-year-old has engaged the services of a New Zealand rugby union agent as he weighs up leaving the Hunter.
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Ponga is contracted to the Knights until the end of 2027 on a $1.4 million a season deal.
However, reports suggest the fullback is potentially willing to leave $1.8m on the table by exiting at the end of the season as he feels that he is wasting his prime years at the club.
The fullback has not formally requested a release at this stage, but Knights powerbrokers are understood to be willing to consider a request if it comes through.
If Ponga were to stay, Newcastle has $2.8m of its salary cap going towards two players from next season, with Eels star Dylan Brown set to arrive next year.
If he is to go, Fletcher Sharpe would likely move to fullback, opening the door for the Knights to pursue a new half to partner Brown.
Ponga, born in Australia to Kiwi parents, has previously voiced his desire to one day represent the All Blacks, and rather than head to another NRL team could make the switch to the 15-man code instead.
In an earlier interview with TMZ, the superstar made it known his family desired to see him represent New Zealand and the fullback admitted to being torn about which nation to pledge his allegiance to at the end of last year.
'It's (New Zealand roots) a very important part of my heritage. It's who I am. It's the values and morals embedded in me through my uncles and my Dad,' Ponga said.
'There's been a cloud over my head as to what I'm doing with my allegiance.'
Ponga would have no shortage of suitors if he were to move to another NRL team or rugby.
If he were to move to rugby at the end of this year it would also give him a chance of fulfilling his dream of playing for the All Blacks.
Ponga would have the 2026 season to get up to speed before the Rugby World Cup in Australia in 2027.
The news around Ponga comes amid another report that suggests Adam O'Brien could be sacked at the end of the season.
O'Brien had a clause triggered in his deal that extended his stay until the end of 2027 after he finished in the top 12 last season.
But even the hefty payout the Knights will have to cough up reportedly is not enough to save his job, with his six-year tenure at the club appearing to be all but over.
SMH reports that unless O'Brien leads the Knights to finals footy in 2025 – which is incredibly unlikely – he will be given his marching orders.
Assistant coach Blake Green would be an obvious replacement.
Queensland assistant Josh Hannay and former Eels coach Brad Arthur are also believed to be leading contenders for the Newcastle top job if O'Brien is given the boot.
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