Kalyn Ponga has signed a “massive” extension with Newcastle that will keep him in the Hunter until at least the end of 2030.
The deal also includes an option for a two-year extension in the club’s favour. He will have played 13 seasons for the Knights when the deal expires.
Ponga was already signed until the end of 2027 on a deal worth $1.4m a year, but the extension will no doubt allow Knights fans to breathe a sigh of relief.
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Last July, the Knights’ struggles fuelled rumours Ponga was looking for an out. They were only fanned when he engaged the services of a New Zealand rugby union agent. He was also reportedly being courted by the Roosters, and was later spotted with a Warriors official in an Auckland sports bar.
Kalyn Ponga has inked a fresh deal with the Knights. Getty
Nine months on, Ponga said in the club statement re-signing was an easy decision.
“I feel privileged and proud to know what I’m doing with my future … three more years at this club,” Ponga said.
“To lock that in and know I’m still going to be part of the Knights journey, I’m extremely grateful.
“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.
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“(Coach Justin Holbrook) has created an environment that everyone wants to be a part of, come in every day and learn and train and get better. He’s obviously a big part of it all as well.
“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.”
The extension comes amid a horror run of injury for the Knights and Maroons gun, who has played only 10 games in the past 12 months.
Ponga last featured in the Knights round two win over Manly, but limped from the field with what scans later confirmed to be a grade two hamstring strain. His return is still at least a fortnight away.
He also missed the back-end of the 2025 season after suffering a Lisfranc injury against the Raiders in round 13.
But Holbrook said Ponga remains “one of the leading players in the NRL”.
“Kalyn is an elite player and an elite person and re-signing him is massive for us,” he said.
“His leadership within this group is exceptional. He sets the standard every single day, in training, in games, in the way he carries himself, and the players in this squad look to him.
“That kind of influence is invaluable as we continue to build toward the goals we have set for this club. He is one of the leading players in the NRL and he is ours.
“I could not be more pleased.”