Kalyn Ponga has come out swinging at claims he’s unhappy at the Newcastle Knights, pointing to his standout performance against the Redcliffe Dolphins in round two as a perfect example for why he’s not leaving.
Media rumours have begun swirling around Ponga early this year, with most focused on one thing: The 26-year-old will be leaving to either join the Sydney Roosters or play rugby.
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These kinds of rumours pop up like clockwork in the rugby league world — and for the record, The Sporting Base has heard nothing from club circles regarding him sniffing around other opportunities. It’s clearly starting to grate on Ponga, who took a jab at the suggestion he was going to walk away from the Hunter club after Newcastle’s 14-point win on Thursday.
“How did I play? How did I look out there? I look happy, don’t I?” he shot at reporters.
The Knights captain really did look happy too — nearly every try scored at Hunter Stadium on Thursday night came with a huge Kalyn celebration, even the very small bundle he didn’t have a direct hand in.
Through 80 minutes Ponga looked switched on, energised, and deadly every time he got his hands on the footy. By the time the final siren had blown on the 26-12 victory, the Newcastle fullback had landed three goals, laid on three try assists, broken the Dolphins’ line three times, busted five tackles, and run for 202 metres, including 69 post-kicks.
“It’s all part of the game, I understand it,” he added on the speculation.
“It’s been a big part of my career but it’s not something I worry about… it’s not going to make me a better player.”
What may though is Dylan Brown, who just signed a $14 million, 10-year deal with the Knights that will start from next season. Though it’s still off in the distance for the time being, Ponga did say he’s “excited” to see him arrive. “I’m excited for the club but putting energy towards it isn’t going to help us win next week or recover well tonight.”
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“I’ve spoken to him but he’s got a job to do and we’ve got a job to do — it’s 12 months away.”
