Knights captain Kalyn Ponga has ended months of speculation around his NRL future after agreeing a new deal to remain at Newcastle until at least the end of 2030. The Dragons have also confirmed the massive signing of Cowboys fullback Scott Drinkwater on a three-year deal from 2027, which has paved the way for North Queensland to extend young gun Tom Chester for another three years.
Ponga’s previous deal with the Knights was set to expire at the end of 2027. And the Newcastle superstar had been linked with a number of rival NRL clubs, as well as a potential switch to rugby union. But the influential Knights skipper won’t be hitting the open market on November 1 after agreeing a new long-term deal with Newcastle that also includes options in his favour for the 2031 and 2032 seasons.
Newcastle captain Kalyn Ponga (R) has agreed a new long-term deal with the Knights, while the Cowboys have offset Scott Drinkwater’s exit by locking down Tom Chester (both left). Pic: Getty
It means the 28-year-old looks all but guaranteed to end his playing career at the Knights, with the new deal set to extend his time in Newcastle to 13 seasons since joining the club in 2018. Ponga’s decision is also a massive vote of confidence in new coach Justin Holbrook, who hailed the significance of the extension for his sidelined skipper.
“Kalyn is an elite player and an elite person and re-signing him is massive for us,” Holbrook 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.”
Knights captain Kalyn Ponga has agreed a new long-term extension to remain at Newcastle until at least the end of 2030. Pic: Getty
(Matt King via Getty Images)Dragons confirm signing of Scott Drinkwater from 2027
Meantime, the Dragons have officially confirmed reports from earlier in the week that they’ve landed Cowboys superstar Drinkwater on a three-year deal from 2027 believed to be worth around $3 million. “Scott is a player of genuine class in our competition, and we’re thrilled to have him commit to the Dragons from 2027,” Dragons CEO Tim Watsford said.
“He brings proven NRL experience, composure, skill and an attacking instinct that will be a major asset for our club. Importantly, we believe Scott will fit strongly with our playing group both on and off the field.”
Cowboys star Scott Drinkwater will officially become a Dragon in 2027 after signing a three-year deal with St George Illawarra. Pic: Getty
(Chris Hyde via Getty Images)
Drinkwater – who starred in the Cowboys’ 12-point win over Cronulla on Friday night – joins Rabbitohs prop Keaon Koloamatangi as the second marquee signing for the Dragons in 2027. “I’m really looking forward to joining the Dragons and being part of what the club is building,” Drinkwater said. “You can see the young talent from the area making its way through the ranks, so it’s an exciting challenge to go on this journey with them.
Cowboys and Dolphins hand extensions to outside backs
Drinkwater’s exit has seen the Cowboys move swiftly to lock down gun outside back Chester on a new deal until the end of the 2029 season. It follows the recent four-year extension for fellow young Jaxon Purdue, who is viewed by North Queensland as Drinkwater’s successor at fullback.
While the Dolphins have also handed winger Selwyn Cobbo a new one-year deal for 2027. The former Origin star joined Kristian Woolf’s side from the Broncos ahead of this season, but his extension still leaves the door open for the PNG Chiefs to chase his signature for 2028 when they enter the NRL.