Newcastle Knights legend Andrew Johns gives Kalyn Ponga his seal of approval

LEAGUE immortal Andrew Johns believes the big dollars Newcastle Knights are spending on Cowboys young gun Kalyn Ponga will be money well spent.

Knights great Andrew Johns has endorsed the big money deal offered to Kalyn Ponga. Cowboy's Kalyn Ponga

IMMORTAL Andrew Johns has declared Newcastle’s bid to sign Kalyn Ponga “a no-brainer”, predicting the young Cowboys sensation has the potential to leave a legacy at the Knights that will last forever.

Newcastle’s greatest player lavished Ponga with praise and did not even blink an eye at the reported five-year, $3.6 million price tag that will make the 18-year-old the highest paid teenager in NRL history.

“I don’t see it as paying overs for this young man,” Johns told The Daily Telegraph when asked about the risk of such a big contract for a teenager with only two NRL games under his belt.

“If you are going to attract a player of his class, you do what you have to do.

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Knights great Andrew Johns has endorsed the big money deal offered to Kalyn Ponga.

“For me, it’s a no-brainer. I already see him as a future rep player and a player the Knights and Nathan Brown can build the club around long term. That’s how good I think he is.

“He’s got bags of potential — just a very special player.”

The Knights are refusing to confirm reports the club has signed Ponga.

The suggestion is they don’t want to scupper the deal in case Ponga has a sudden change of heart during the 10-day cooling off period.

Ponga’s manager Wayde Rushton was also tight-lipped about negotiations. “I won’t be making any comment,” he said.

Tellingly though, North Queensland coach Paul Green conceded they were little chance of retaining him.

“Look, it’s early days so there’s a cooling-off period but we expect Kalyn to go there (Newcastle),” Green said.

“We’re disappointed ... we wanted to keep Kalyn. He’s a good young talent obviously and has been in our system for a little while now.

“We’re disappointed to lose him but we’ll move on.”

Kalyn Ponga during a Cowboys training session.

Ponga remains contracted to the Cowboys for 2017 and while the Knights’ five-year deal is believed to include next season if he can gain a release, Green indicated that was unlikely.

“Kalyn is contracted to us for next year, he’s part of our plans for next year and as such, he’s expected to play for us,” Green said.

Ponga’s signing by the dual wooden spooners represents a massive coup for Brown and the club’s football general manager Darren Mooney.

As part of the selling process, Ponga and his family spent last weekend in Newcastle at the invitation of the club and was clearly impressed by the city and Brown’s long-term plans.

Knights ambassador Danny Buderus spent time showing the Cowboys youngster the sights with the pair also enjoying a round of golf.

The Daily Telegraph has also been told Ponga was impressed by the tertiary education opportunities at Newcastle University.

Johns, who has kept a close eye on Ponga’s rise after seeing him star for the Cowboys in the Holden Cup, believes he can be a player to build a team around.

“I’ve spoken to Matt Gidley and Bedsy (Buderus) and they just rave about the character of the young bloke,” Johns said.

“They couldn’t speak highly enough about him. Not just his footy but his interests away from the game and the way he conducts himself. He’s a scratch golfer and sounds like he would be great at whatever he puts his mind to.

“He looks to have it all and I think he would be a tremendous signing by the club. I really hope he comes to town.”