Monday Bunker: The selfless act that confirms Kalyn Ponga’s class on and off the field

KALYN Ponga’s on field exploits have shot the young star to fame this season, but it’s the emerging stories of his character away from rugby league that have him held in such high regard.

KALYN Ponga’s on field exploits have shot the young star to fame this season, but it’s the emerging stories of his character away from rugby league that have him held in such high regard.

Courier Mail journalist Rikki-Lee Arnold sat down for a one-on-one interview with the Maroons debutant last week, admitting she was astounded by his well-mannered nature when appearing on Monday Bunker.

WATCH THE PANEL DISCUSS IN THE VIDEO PLAYER ABOVE

Our Monday Bunker panel discuss the character of Kalyn Ponga.

“To be honest I was pretty blown away by him,” Arnold said.

“He was so level headed, so polite, just a little gentlemen. He’s 20-years-old but you can’t tell. He’s one of the most mature players I’ve met and he’s one of the youngest.”

Colleague Robert Craddock chimed in, adding some background to his character coming through school.

“His old footy coaches up in Brisbane still tell kids at school, when Kalyn Ponga passed through here, guess who used to pick up the witches hats?” Craddock said.

“He’s just one of those blokes that gets right down at ground level, it’s just great.”

It was also revealed after the game that Ponga unknowingly gifted his headgear to the nephew of Blues adviser Greg Alexander on his way into the sheds.

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Originally published as Monday Bunker: The selfless act that confirms Kalyn Ponga’s class on and off the field