Roosters circling rising Knights talent as Kalyn Ponga dilemma emerges

The Roosters have inflamed the Knights’ biggest dilemma with Kalyn Ponga suddenly dragged into the drama.

David Armstrong of the Knights. Photo by Chris Hyde/Chris Hyde.

The Roosters are reportedly attempting to recruit rising Knights star David Armstrong, but Newcastle powerbrokers are desperate to retain his services.

That is according to The Daily Telegraph, who are reporting Armstrong’s recent form filling in for superstar Kalyn Ponga has caught the eye of several clubs.

Armstrong, 23, has been tabled an offer to stay in the Hunter from the Knights, and the club are reportedly confident they will keep the talented fullbacks.

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He’s off-contract for the 2025 season, and there’s been hiccups with his contract negotiations due to multiple agents acting on his behalf.

However that issue now is reportedly resolved and Armstrong is set to make a decision on his long-term future.

If he remains in Newcastle he will have to sit behind Ponga on the fullback pecking order, with the reigning Dally M’s Medallist sidelined due to a Lisfranc injury.

Meanwhile, his path to the No.1 jersey is also blocked at the Roosters in 2025, with James Tedesco having one further year remaining on his current deal.

David Armstrong. Photo by Chris Hyde/Chris Hyde.

THE MAN WAYNE WANTS TO BRING TO SOUTHS

Dolphins coach Wayne Bennett is reportedly attempting to lure one of his star forwards to Sydney with him next season.

Souths and Euan Aitken are reportedly discussing a deal from next season, meaning the in-form back rower could follow Bennett, who will rejoin the Rabbitohs on a three-year deal.

According to The Daily Telegraph, the Dolphins aren’t yet prepared to offer Aitken an extension longer than one year.

However, the versatile forward is looking for a little more security and hoping for a multi-year deal with Souths reportedly entertaining that idea.

Bennett has said that he won’t take any players the Dolphins wish to keep.

“That’s not going to happen. I didn’t build this club to try and destroy it,” the legendary coach said.

“If there is a guy that they are not offering a contract to or he is looking to go somewhere else and I think he can play a bit, then that will be a different thing.”

Originally published as Roosters circling rising Knights talent as Kalyn Ponga dilemma emerges