NRL 2022: Knights coach Adam O’Brien considering Kalyn Ponga position switch to five-eighth

Newcastle coach Adam O’Brien has confirmed he is considering a spine shake up in 2023, as the desperate Knights look to return to finals footy.

The Knights have confirmed they are working on a positional switch for Kalyn Ponga to five-eighth. Picture: Getty Images.

Knights coach Adam O’Brien has confirmed Kalyn Ponga is working on a potential switch to five-eighth while failing to rule out luring Luke Brooks from the Wests Tigers.

One of the first NRL’s team’s back to pre-season training, the Knights are a club in the spotlight with key forwards David Klemmer and Tyson Frizell linked to the possibility of early releases from their contract and the club’s constant links to signing Brooks.

The Knights recently tried to sign Reuben Garrick from Manly as their fullback for 2023, a failed bid that was intended to move Ponga from the back to five-eighth.

A seemingly relaxed O’Brien fronted the media on Friday and confirmed Ponga could still be shifted to the playmaking role.

The Knights have confirmed they are working on a positional switch for Kalyn Ponga to five-eighth. Picture: Getty Images.

Interestingly, the head coach confirmed his playing roster wasn’t complete for 2023, amid persistent links to Brooks and so too, the prospect of Klemmer or Frizell, moving to the Tigers.

“I haven’t completely decided on (playing Ponga at five-eighth) yet,’’ O’Brien said.

“We’ll make a decision around the playing list once it’s finalised and that’s always evolving.

“He’s not required back yet...we haven’t sat down and had complete discussions.

“Yes we’ve skirted around it, is he doing some components of five-eighth at the moment? Yeah he is.

“But we’ll sit down once the list is finalised and see what team best fits and we’ll get on with it.

“But right now we’re focused on the physical elements of the program.’’

O’Brien wouldn’t rule out the possibility of the Knights making a play for Luke Brooks. Picture: NRL Photos.

Asked specifically about the possibility that the Knights are eager to sign Brooks as their halfback, O’Brien flat-batted the question by stating simply: “I’m not too sure. I’m the footy coach.

“I’ll coach these boys that are out there right now and when the list is finalised, I’ll coach that list.’’

O’Brien praised Ponga’s earlier than required return to training and so too the application of rising star Bradman Best, who appeared leaner and lighter with the loss of 5kgs.

Originally published as NRL 2022: Knights coach Adam O’Brien considering Kalyn Ponga position switch to five-eighth