Kalyn Ponga is reportedly contemplating a move away from the Newcastle Knights at the close of this season, with potential interest in transitioning to rugby union.
According to the Sydney Morning Herald, the 27-year-old full-back is exploring options beyond the Knights and has enlisted a New Zealand rugby union agent.
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.
However, the ex-Queensland player is said to be ‘worried about squandering the prime years of his career’ with the Knights, who are presently ranked 13th on the NRL ladder.
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 terminate his deal at the conclusion of the current campaign. O’Brien also has two years left on his contract.
Kalyn Ponga could be set to leave the Newcastle Knights at the end of the 2025 NRL season
Ponga appears to be eyeing up a cross-code switch, after hiring a Kiwi rugby union agent
Ponga (left) has two years left on his deal, but has not explicitly told the Knights he wants to leave
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.
The footy star has previously opened up on how he would like to play for the All Blacks
And New Zealand coach Scott Robertson (pictured) says he would welcome the NRL star to play amongst his squad if the opportunity arose
He has also been capped by the Maori All Stars on three occasions.
Ponga has previously spoken about 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.
