‘Out of that Kalyn Ponga mould’: Knights kid tipped for NRL debut
Likened to no less than Queensland’s State of Origin fullback, the Knights have an exciting young talent on their hands — and he’s set to be unleashed this weekend.
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Every week, Kurt Gidley plays touch footy alongside a kid he reckons can be the future of Newcastle.
Specifically, Tex Hoy.
The 20-year-old son of Newcastle surf great Matt Hoy is all speed and footwork and can play either fullback or five-eighth.
Gidley likens him to no less than Queensland Origin No.1 Kalyn Ponga.
In fact, when Ponga disappears into Maroons camp in May, Gidley is tipping Hoy, who was among the breakout stars of this year’s NRL Nines, will replace him in the Knights backline.
“I’ve been watching Tex progress for a long while now,” Gidley said this week.
“I’m great mates with his old man (Matt) and, with all of us being Merewether locals, have also been playing in the same touch footy side for about five years.
“And watching the way Tex keeps improving, I’m really proud of him. As you saw at the Nines, he’s got great footwork.
“Actually, with his build, footwork and speed, he really is out of that Kalyn Ponga mould.”
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So what chance Hoy will make his NRL debut this year?
“I think Kalyn Ponga will be playing Origin, and likely for Australia this year,” Gidley said. “And I’ve got no doubt that when he goes out of the side and into camp, Tex will be called up.”
In 2014, Hoy became the youngest player to sign a contract with the Knights at just 14. Since then, the rising star has progressed steadily through the Knights ranks, and his strong Nines showing was enough to convince Gidley that Hoy will make his NRL debut this year.
When it was suggested the hype around Hoy, who has been named in the Newcastle squad for Saturday’s trial against St George Illawarra in Maitland, was expanding quickly, Gidley said: “As there should be, within reason.
“Any time you’ve got somebody with the attributes Tex has — the speed, the footwork — fans, teammates and media are going to get excited about you.
“But for Tex, there is still plenty of work to do before becoming an NRL regular.”
Hoy is signed to an NRL Development contract, which means he cannot be called into first grade before June 30.
However, the Knights still have three vacancies on their NRL roster so it seems increasingly likely one of those spots will be kept open until State of Origin arrives — allowing Hoy to step up if required.
Which is exciting news for Knights fans but surely a massive blow to what must be Newcastle’s greatest midweek touch team.
“No, no, it’s just a social comp,” Gidley said.
“We have an Esky full of beers on the sideline each week, that’s how serious it is.
“And Bobcat (retired Canterbury star Andrew Ryan), he also plays in one of the other teams. He lives in Merewether now too, so it’s all very social.”
While Hoy was considered unlucky to miss selection in the Nines Team of the Tournament, the same could also be said of Gidley, whose guest role, at age 37, was among the highlights.
He credited his daily training sessions with fellow Old Boys like Danny Buderus, Mark Hughes and Paul “Chief” Harragon.
“We’re out there every morning at 5.30am,” he said.