Footy superstar Kalyn Ponga has rejected interest from the All Blacks to extend his time at the Newcastle Knights in a huge coup for the NRL. Ponga, 28, who was off-contract at the end of next year, has agreed to a three-year contract extension until 2030. The new deal, which comes as the Sydney Roosters were reportedly circling with intent, includes an option in the club's favour for the final two years.
Ponga's Commitment to the Knights
'To know I'm going to be part of the Knights journey (going forward), I'm extremely grateful,' the fullback said in a club statement. 'I've been here for 10 years and where we are now, the people within it, the direction of the club, the players that are coming through, I know I want to be here.'
Ponga also praised coach Justin Holbrook: 'Justin has created an environment that everyone wants to be a part of, we come in every day, learn and train and look to get better. He's obviously a big part of it all as well.'
The Queensland Origin star expressed his desire to win a premiership with the Knights: 'I want to win a premiership here and I want to do it so badly. I've now got the opportunity to keep chasing that dream and that's what I see in the near future.'
Club's Long-Term Strategy
Newcastle's head of recruitment Peter O'Sullivan said Ponga's contract extension reflects the club's long-term strategy of ongoing success. 'When this new deal concludes, Kalyn will have been a Newcastle Knight for at least 13 seasons,' he said. 'That is an extraordinary commitment and one that speaks volumes about who he is as a person and a player. Kalyn makes every player he plays alongside better... and with the exceptional young talent we have coming through, there are exciting times ahead for this squad.'
St George Illawarra's Signing
Elsewhere, St George Illawarra have made their first significant signing of the post-Shane Flanagan era by luring Scott Drinkwater from North Queensland on a three-year deal. The embattled Dragons, who haven't won a game this year, confirmed on Saturday that Drinkwater would join them from 2027. Drinkwater, 28, joins South Sydney forward Keaon Koloamatangi as one of two big signings for the Red V.
