Newcastle Knights’ Mitchell Pearce backs Kalyn Ponga to take his own game to a new level

Mitchell Pearce is almost a decade older than Kalyn Ponga but the 253-game NRL veteran has backed his new halves partner to offer him the freedom to even improve his own game.

Mitchell Pearce believes Kalyn Ponga's switch to the halves can only improve both their games.

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It’s the off-season gamble that Mitchell Pearce believes will free him up to unleash his running game.

Pearce, 29, is almost a decade older than Kalyn Ponga, but the veteran of 253 NRL games says he’s looking to learn off the Newcastle Knights prodigy sensationally moved from fullback into the halves.

“With Kalyn as a six, he has the ability to ball play as well,” Pearce said. “It frees me up to play as a bit of a runner.”

Ponga will give Pearce more freedom on the field. (Tracey Nearmy)

Ponga, 20, took the NRL by storm last year in his first full season in top grade, splitting defences in the No.1 jersey. While Knights coach Nathan Brown’s decision to shift him into five-eighth is risky, Pearce fully endorses the move.

“He will be a success wherever he plays. He is a winner.”

Pearce said as halves “we have to have a lot of love” and they spent the pre-season working on their combinations on and off the field.

He maintains Ponga’s skill levels can’t help but develop his own game.

Ponga will be the NRL’s most hyped player next season. (Tracey Nearmy)

“I feel like we will be able to get our attack going well.

“As a kid I used to play a lot of five eighth before I came into first grade. I was more of a runner than a ballplayer.”

Ponga’s self-belief gives Pearce confidence he will be a success in the halves.

“His greatest gift is he knows his path and the journey he is on. He wanted to move there.

“We did talk about it but he doesn’t need much assurance. If he puts his mind to something, he will make it work.
“I had a really good time with him last year and we had success. I’m a real believer in him as a five-eighth.”

Ponga could elevate the Knights this year. Phil Hillyard

Pearce says it’s crucial for the pair to have a strong bond.

“As good halves we have to have a lot of love and we have a good connection.

“We are good mates and we talk a lot about footy. He didn’t like talking about footy — I forced him into it.”

Last season, Ponga featured in just one game at five-eighth alongside Pearce before injury prematurely ended his year.

A lingering ankle problem delayed Ponga’s start to this pre-season but he is now in full training after asking the Knights coach to switch him from fullback.

Brown is unlikely to shackle Ponga to one side of the field in his new role.

Pearce wants the responsibility of leading the team. (Tracey Nearmy)

“The thing with Kalyn is, everyone has an opinion on Kalyn because of his talent,” Brown said.

“It’s more the style of footy he plays, not where he stands.

“If he stands in the line, he will have to do more tackling. It’s how you use him as an offensive player.

“The stuff he started to do last year, we will work on that. He will look at add little things to his game.

“His style of play’s not going to change. He is a unique player. It’s a lot different to what other people can do. We are comfortable he will play good footy.”

Pearce has put his hand up to be the sole skipper of the Knights. The 30-year-old was named co-captain alongside Jamie Buhrer in his inaugural season at Newcastle last year but is shaping up to lead the side on his own.

“For me as a leader I have to be on my best behaviour,” Pearce said. “I definitely want it. I definitely enjoy it.

“I was captain of the Roosters there for a bit. But I was younger then and I feel at this point of my life, with what we’re really building here, I’m enjoying that leadership role.

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Originally published as Newcastle Knights’ Mitchell Pearce backs Kalyn Ponga to take his own game to a new level