Kalyn Ponga targeted by overseas rugby clubs for lucrative code switch at conclusion of Knights contract

Kalyn Ponga is in demand for a lucrative overseas code switch, with European rugby clubs looking to poach the Knights and Maroons star for a move that could see him earn north of $2m annually.

Kalyn Ponga is being targeted by overseas rugby clubs as the battle for the Queensland Origin star’s signature intensifies following the admission of Perth Bears to the NRL.

This masthead can reveal Ponga is the subject of a cross-code poaching raid – fielding expressions of interest as the Maroons fullback prepares to return to his birth state for Origin II this Wednesday night in Perth.

Born in Port Hedland, Ponga has been trumpeted as the ideal marquee recruit for newly-admitted Perth Bears, but Knights bosses also face competitive threats from cashed-up rugby outfits offshore to keep their skipper in Newcastle.

Ponga is contracted to the Knights until the end of 2027, the year the Bears enter the NRL, and rugby has always been an option given his Kiwi heritage, love for the All Blacks, and his teenage years starring for Churchie’s First XV.

It is understood overseas rugby outfits in France and England have made preliminary inquiries in recent weeks and months at a time when Ponga’s Knights are languishing in 15th position.

Ponga’s passion for the Queensland jumper, and unyielding desire to win a premiership for Newcastle, are believed to be major factors in keeping him in rugby league.

Kalyn Ponga is being targeted for a lucrative overseas move at the conclusion of his Knights contract. Picture: Scott Gardiner/Getty Images

Ponga’s father Andre confirmed the interest in his son has gone global, and goes beyond rugby league, but says he would be surprised if the Dally M sensation quit the NRL to test himself in the 15-a-side code.

“Yes, there’s been some interest in Kalyn from rugby clubs overseas,” Ponga Sr said as the Maroons prepare to arrive in Perth for Origin II.

“We’ve had a few parties calling us saying there’s interest, but I try not to listen to managers and other people.

“The interest is from overseas rugby, but it’s not a conversation we are worrying about right now.

“There has been talk about Kalyn going overseas at the end of 2027, but Kalyn is staying patient and seeing where the Knights are.

“He doesn’t want to be rushed into a decision two years out.

“There’s still a lot of time ahead for him. I am always one to say to him, ‘See what your options are and then you can make a considered decision about your future’.”

Kalyn Ponga playing rugby union for Anglican Grammar. Credit: YouTube.

In 2019, a year after making his Queensland debut, Ponga first flagged a possible switch to rugby, telling a New Zealand television station of his dream to one day represent the All Blacks.

In March, former All Blacks playmaker Steven Donald claimed a code switch was “still on the table” for Ponga, who was linked to the Hurricanes.

The next rugby World Cup starts on October 1, 2027, the final year of Ponga’s current $6 million deal at Newcastle.

But Andre says his son has unfinished business with Queensland and the Knights.

“The All Blacks were linked to Kalyn in his early days, but we never had anything serious put to us,” Andre said.

“There’s always a lot of talk around that, but Kalyn is very happy in rugby league.

“Kalyn loves the Maroons, he is passionate about this Queensland jumper. He always sees it as a privilege to get selected because nothing is given in that Maroon jumper.

“It would be hard to go to rugby now.

Kalyn Ponga’s father says he has unfinished business with the Maroons. Picture: QRL

“Sport at this level is elite, elite, if you know what I mean.

“Kalyn is 27 now so he is at the prime of his career in league.

“The game is in a good place, the two guys running the game (Peter V’landys and Andrew Abdo) are doing an incredible job.

“There is a huge future for Kalyn if he stays in rugby league, that’s for sure.”

Currently on around $1.4 million at the Knights, the Maroon custodian could earn north of $2m annually in European rugby.

Defecting to the Perth Bears as their foundation recruit and WA poster boy is unlikely given that Ponga is contracted in 2027, meaning he would have to seek an early release from the Knights.

Asked by this masthead last month if he has shut the door on rugby, Ponga said: “I don’t know. I have things I want to achieve first in the NRL and it will all depend on that.

“To be honest, I don’t know if I could even pick the game up again.

“I haven’t watched a union game in about 10 years. I played it as a junior and I enjoyed it, but it would be interesting to see if I could do it.

“I don’t even know what position I would play.

“It would be a great challenge, but it would be a massive adjustment.”

Now in his eighth season at Newcastle, Ponga plays his 10th game in Maroon this Wednesday night and is not only chasing Origin titles, but a watershed premiership ring at the Knights.

Asked if Ponga will seriously consider rugby or the Perth Bears, Andre said: “To be honest, I would probably encourage him not to go to rugby, but I will always support what Kalyn wants to do, rather than telling him what he should do.

“There are two more franchises coming into the NRL over the next few years. He is coming off-contract at the right time to know what the next phase of his career is going to look like.

“There will be a new salary cap in 2027-28 and they say these are the golden years Kalyn is coming into.

“I know he wants a premiership for the Knights.

“The results don’t show it but he is always optimistic.

“I guess it’s a matter of the future. Kalyn is halfway through his tenure now and the Knights have some really talented kids coming through.

“It’s probably one to ask in another 12 months time realistically.

“He has been at the Knights for eight years which is pretty crazy … whether he does another eight years at Newcastle is for him to answer.”

Originally published as Kalyn Ponga targeted by overseas rugby clubs for lucrative code switch at conclusion of Knights contract