Mitchell Pearce says he feels sorry for teenager Kalyn Ponga as he tries to live up to the hype
KALYN Ponga has played only nine NRL matches. He has scored just three tries and has one try assist. That’s why Mitchell Pearce “feels sorry” for his new teammate ahead of his Newcastle debut.
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MITCHELL Pearce says he “feels sorry” for fellow star recruit Kalyn Ponga as he prepares to face the hype and expectation of being the Knights’ $3 million teenage prodigy.
The 19-year-old will play his first match for Newcastle next Friday night when the Knights confront archrivals Manly at a packed McDonald Jones Stadium.
Ponga, who signed a rich five-year-deal to join the Knights from North Queensland, has played only nine NRL matches. He has scored just three tries, has one try assist, made 11 linebreaks and four linebreak assists.
He has only had two offloads and made 13 tackles at the top level.
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“I feel a bit sorry for him,” Pearce said. “The guy has only played six games or something.
“He’s a great player and all the hype is 100 per cent. I’m the one saying that the most but people have got to be patient with him.
“Kalyn is in a new side with new combinations and he is coming into a young side.
“As a defensive team, we have been quite low over the last three years. It will take Kalyn a bit to adjust.
“He is going to have some ups and downs. As long as people know that then you will see a real superstar in the next couple of years.”
Ponga has trained superbly over summer and will meet Manly ready to showcase his sublime talents.
But former Newcastle champion Matt Johns also warning against expecting instant miracles from Ponga.
Asked about the hype, Johns said: “Is it fair? It’s probably not.
“When young blokes come through the grades, like when Freddie Fittler was a young bloke, it is part and parcel that they have to live with the hype
“It’s a by-product of the talent they’ve got.
“When those really good young players burst onto the scene, everyone loves the new guy that has come along. That’s how it is with Kalyn at the moment.
“I’m a massive fan and there has been plenty of hype around. I do think it’s warranted but I understand where he’s at right now.
“He will find his feet quite easily. With Kalyn, he will get out there and have a big one against Manly and then he’ll settle. That’s how it is.”
But Knights Immortal Andrew Johns believes Ponga should be set free amid all the hype.
Asked should the kid be given time to settle, Johns said: “No, I don’t think so. We all see his potential. Even at nine games.
“I can remember when Sonny Bill (Williams) came in — there was talk about him. He lived up to the expectations. It’s up to Kalyn to deliver.
“Let him get out there and play. I haven’t seen a lot of him but the things he does, he’s a special player.”
Pearce knows all about playing under pressure. At the Roosters. For NSW in Origin.
Yet he is fresh, fit and focused after leaving the bright lights of Sydney.
“I haven’t played a game yet but we have been improving each day at training. There is a lot of hype around, a lot of expectation. The biggest thing is being patient,” Pearce said.
“This is the first time I have experienced a different club. The big thing in Newcastle is that you are out of Sydney so it’s a different culture.
“It’s a real mad footy town. There is still plenty to do in Newcastle but it’s a country town, it’s a great town, so I am really enjoying the quieter lifestyle.
“There is lots of hype given the good, quality players we have signed, plenty of young players. There is a real buzz because the team has had some low years. The town is expecting some success but it’s not something the boys are talking about all the time.”
Originally published as Mitchell Pearce says he feels sorry for teenager Kalyn Ponga as he tries to live up to the hype
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