Ponga Commits to Knights in Landmark Deal

Newcastle Knights captain Kalyn Ponga has signed a five-year contract extension, keeping him at the club until at least the end of the 2030 NRL season. The deal includes options in the club's favor for the 2031 and 2032 seasons.

Ponga was previously contracted until 2027 but had been linked to moves to the Sydney Roosters and rugby union's All Blacks.

Key Details

• The extension runs from 2028 to 2030, with club options for 2031 and 2032.
• Ponga will be 33 years old at the end of the potential 2032 season.
• He has scored 56 tries and 744 points in 148 NRL games for the North Queensland Cowboys and Newcastle Knights since his debut in 2016.
• Ponga has played 10 State of Origin matches for Queensland.

What They Said

"Kalyn is an elite player and an elite person and re-signing him is massive for us."
— Head Coach Justin Holbrook

"I want to win a Premiership here and I want to do it so badly."
— Kalyn Ponga

The Newcastle Knights described the signing as "one of the most significant in the club's history." Head of Recruitment Peter O'Sullivan said the deal reflects the club's long-term strategy.