That became less of a priority as Newcastle fizzled out in the finals race, ultimately finishing with the wooden spoon.
By comparison, when Ponga suffered a similar Lisfranc injury to his right foot in 2024, he was back playing within three months and helped the Knights reach the play-offs.
Now, Newcastle officials are taking what they have described as an “ultra-conservative” approach with their marquee man, for whom 2026 is shaping as a significant season.
As well as facing a battle with Brisbane dynamo Reece Walsh for the Queensland No.1 jersey, Ponga is also pondering a switch in allegiance to represent New Zealand at the World Cup. Meanwhile, with two seasons left on his lucrative Newcastle contract, he could become a free agent on November 1 and start negotiating with rival clubs.
Admitting “I’ve spent a lot of time on the sidelines over the last couple of years”, Ponga is impatiently awaiting the green light to resume full training.
“I think everyone can feel the energy,” he said.
“New faces, both in the staff and players. That brings so much excitement, and I’m just excited to get back on the paddock with all the boys and rip in and hopefully bring some good times next year for all our fans.”
Kalyn Ponga has had a terrible run with injury.Credit: NRL Photos
Brown said it was good to blow the cobwebs out in his first hit-out since steering New Zealand to victory over Samoa in the Pacific Championships final on November 9.
He has spent the past month settling into the Newcastle lifestyle and adjusting to fatherhood, after the arrival of baby son Marley.
“I haven’t had much to do with Newcastle, but within a week [of moving] I knew I’d made a good decision,” the former Parramatta five-eighth said.
Having signed a 10-year deal reported to be worth $1.3 million a season, Brown’s combination with the enigmatic Ponga will be crucial to Newcastle’s hopes of rebounding from a disastrous season that delivered only six wins and cost former coach Adam O’Brien his job.
Whether Brown plays halfback or his usual second-fiddle role shapes as the biggest decision coach Holbrook will make before their 2026 campaign kicks off.
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“There’s been no chat around that just yet,” Brown said.
“Justin’s been pretty good. He’s not sure just yet. I’m happy to play wherever, but I don’t think the number is too important at the moment.”
Brown’s heroics for New Zealand earned him three man-of-the-match awards and a nomination for the Golden Boot, which was won by Kangaroos hooker Harry Grant.
“To be able to play like that for the Kiwis was good for my mental space … it’s exciting that I can play that brand of footy, and hopefully I can continue that next year,” he said.
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