Newcastle Knights superstar Kalyn Ponga has declared the club right now is “the best it’s been” after an overhaul in coaching and the roster over the off-season.
The big signing for the Knights was Dylan Brown on his $1.3 milllion-a-season deal, while Adam O’Brien quit as coach with Justin Holbrook taking over.
Sandon Smith was another significant off-season move, while Brett White, Steven Hales and Danny Buderus are assistant coaches.
READ MORE: Gout Gout makes major scheduling call as Comm Games rocked
READ MORE: ‘Had to go all in’: Guseli crashes out in all-or-nothing medal shot
READ MORE: Haas to join Sydney club in ‘biggest signing of the NRL era’
Ponga joined the Knights in 2018 and has been part of four finals appearances and one wooden spoon last year.
Kalyn Ponga. Nine
The fullback believes the vibe is different this year.
“I’ve seen a few versions of this club,” he told 9News Sydney.
“I’ve been here for eight, nine years but I think in terms of where this club’s at, it’s probably the best it’s been. Internally, the people in it, the work ethic, the want to win is there.
“We’ve got to put the pieces together, no doubt, it’s all just talk until we do that. We want to represent this town, and make them proud.”
Throughout his time at the club, Ponga has also been through numerous injury issues and had an extended layoff last season with a lisfranc problem.
Ponga had a similar injury the season before too and the 27-year-old admits he’s “pretty hungry” to stay fit.
“I’ve had enough time on the sidelines,” he smiled.
Ponga’s role for the Knights this season brings plenty of curiosity considering the signings of Brown and Smith.
Smith played at halfback for the Knights in their trial match against the Dragons with Fletcher Sharpe at five-eighth. Smith is likely to partner Brown in the halves while Sharpe will shift elsewhere having played five-eighth last season.