Speculation is swirling that Newcastle Knights superstar Kalyn Ponga is on the move, despite having committed himself to the club until the end of 2027.
While many destinations have been floated around, sources tell Zero Tackle that the Canterbury Bulldogs could be Ponga’s next home in the NRL.
While only mail at this stage, one source has suggested a “big name” would need to make way to facilitate any potential deal, with Matt Burton’s name being floated as a possible trade-off.
If such a move were to eventuate, it would reshape the Bulldogs’ spine and potentially the balance of the entire NRL landscape, but would it work?
Why Ponga at the Bulldogs would be a game-changer
Ponga’s arrival would instantly transform the Bulldogs’ attack, giving them a marquee strike weapon in the No.1 jersey.
His ability to break tackles, create second-phase play, and inject creativity from the back would add a dimension to the Bulldogs they have arguably lacked since Ben Barba’s 2012 purple patch of form.
NEWCASTLE, AUSTRALIA – JULY 14: Kalyn Ponga of the Knights
runs with the ball during the round 20 NRL match between Newcastle Knights and Wests Tigers at McDonald Jones Stadium on July 14, 2023 in Newcastle, Australia. (Photo by Scott Gardiner/Getty Images)
Stephen Crichton is the biggest superstar to call Belmore home in a decade; however, he’d have stiff competition should Ponga make his way to the Bulldogs. This is something the club has needed since Cameron Ciraldo arrived at the club, and could be the missing piece many thought Lachlan Galvin would be.
What this means for the rest of the squad
For the rest of the Bulldogs’ squad, Ponga’s arrival would trigger significant reshuffling, with stars like Connor Tracey and Matt Burton likely to cop the brunt of the move.
Tracey, who has been reliable at fullback, would almost certainly need to shift into the centres or potentially look elsewhere for a starting role.
While the electric fullback has been a revelation since joining the Bulldogs last year, he hasn’t been able to reach the heights of the best club’s fullbacks, with Kaeo Weekes, Reece Walsh, and Ryan Papenhuyzen substantially better than him.
BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA – MAY 04: Connor Tracey of the Bulldogs scores a try during the round nine NRL match between the Gold Coast Titans and Canterbury Bulldogs at Suncorp Stadium on May 04, 2025, in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)
Sources have also indicated that Matt Burton may need to be the big-name departure to make the deal viable, with the playmaker previously linked to the incoming Perth Bears franchise.
Losing Burton would be a major call for the Bulldogs, given his status as one of their marquee signings, but it underlines the level of change required to accommodate a player of Ponga’s calibre.
Burton has been Belmore’s favourite son since arriving in 2022, and would be sorely missed by Doggies fans should he be moved on.
The Bulldogs’ potential new-look spine
If Ponga were to join the club’s ranks, it would signal a complete new era for the Bulldogs. The spine would be unrecognisable compared to their Round 1 squad this year; however, many would argue that it is much closer to winning a premiership.
2025 Round 1
1. Connor Tracey
6. Matt Burton
7. Toby Sexton
9. Reed Mahoney
2026 Round 1 (if Ponga signs)
1. Kalyn Ponga
6. Lachlan Galvin
7. Mitchell Woods
9. Bailey Hayward
While the talk of his move is far from confirmed at this stage, it could be the lift that the Bulldogs need to end their two-decade-long premiership drought.