NRL 2024: Knights star Kalyn Ponga opens up on contract furore, injury recovery

Knights star Kalyn Ponga has reiterated his commitment to Newcastle, brushing off speculation around his future as the club as he works towards a return from a foot injury.

Kalyn Ponga has reiterated his commitment to Newcastle and revealed how some pearls of wisdom from Billy Slater helped him overcome his State of Origin disappointment as he edges towards a return from a foot injury.

Ponga has been sidelined since suffering a Lisfranc injury in his foot nearly two months ago, the setback costing him not only the chance to play for the Knights, but also win back his spot in the Queensland side.

In his absence, Newcastle have managed to maintain touch with the top eight as Ponga’s understudies David Armstrong and Fletcher Sharpe have stepped up to help Newcastle overcome the devastating loss of their captain and best player.

Ponga, meanwhile, has worked feverishly on his rehabilitation.

In a wide-ranging interview, Newcastle Knights star Kalyn Ponga opens up on the injury that has kept him sidelined since Round 7, State of Origin, his relationship with Billy Slater and more. Kalyn Ponga. Picture: NRL Photos

The only interruption to his recovery was a mini-furore over his future at the club, prompted by reports that there were concerns over his contract.

It turned out to be a storm in a teacup and Ponga insisted he was fully committed to the cause as he sets his sights on getting back on the field and helping the club claim a premiership.

“I have people that handle that sort of stuff,” Ponga said in his first interview since being sidelined nearly eight weeks ago.

“There is no real need for me to comment on it. All that stuff is taken care of other people so I can worry about footy and performing and being the best I can be for the club.”

Asked on whether he was committed to the Knights – he is contracted until the end of 2027 – Ponga said: “Yeah, I am committed. Definitely committed.”

THE INJURY

Ponga started feeling pain in his foot early in Newcastle’s game against the Bulldogs at Accor Stadium in late-April, but soldiered on for another 40 minutes before he left the field.

At the time, Ponga and Knights officials were optimistic the injury wasn’t too serious. He was sent for scans the next day and rocked by what they revealed – a Lisfranc injury.

Kalyn Ponga hasn’t played since going down with injury against Canterbury in Rd 7. Picture: NRL Images.

“I wasn’t really aware that it could have been a Lisfranc,” Ponga said.

“I tore the ligament on the inside of the foot as well and that is where the pain was coming from. I didn’t indicate to them that it was the top of the foot – that is where the Lisfranc is.

“I got scans the next day and then came into training, and they told me it was a Lisfranc. It was a bit of a shock for everyone.”

Ponga took is time to digest the news before switching his focus to his recovery.

He is hopeful of being back on the field in just over a month, having set his sights on a potential return in round 20 against the Brisbane Broncos.

“I think I am in week seven now so I am tracking along quite well,” Ponga said.

“I am ahead of where I should be. I think round 20 was the aim. I have had enough injuries now to know what it looks like mentally and physically I guess.

“The boys winning definitely takes the pressure off a little bit.

ORIGIN AND BILLY

It wasn’t just the Knights who were forced to make do without Ponga, but also Queensland. Maroons coach Billy Slater had hinted in earlier interviews that Ponga was every chance of playing in the Queensland side alongside Reece Walsh.

But those plans were blown out of the water when the Newcastle custodian was sidelined.

Significantly, Slater was one of the first to call Ponga.

“Not long after, Billy rang me,” Ponga said.

Billy Slater was among the first to call Kalyn Ponga after his injury. Picture: Getty Images

“I didn’t expect that, but it shows what sort of coach he is and why people love to play for him. He said it was unfortunate that you miss another series but to do everything I can to get back and look forward to what I can, which is the back end of the season.

“He was gutted for me. It would have been interesting to see what would have happened (had Ponga been fit). Billy knows whatever decision he made I would have supported.”

Ponga watched Origin I on the couch at home, disappointed he couldn’t take part in the Maroons’ win at Accor Stadium but overjoyed that they made a flying start to the series.

The game was marred by the sending off of NSW winger Joseph-Aukuso Sua’ali’i for a high shot that ended Walsh’s night after seven minutes.

“It was pretty much over (seven) minutes in,” Ponga said.

“It was unfortunate for both of those players and the game, for many reasons. It was pretty self-explanatory, I think they made the right call.

“I enjoy seeing Queensland win. So that natural emotion of wanting to be out there was definitely there. Once I knew we were pretty much going to win I was pretty happy.

“Hopefully they can get it done in game two and enjoy game three.”

THE UNDERSTUDIES

In Ponga’s absence, David Armstrong and Fletcher Sharpe have stepped up and helped the club hold their nerve without their talismanic captain.

Armstrong was a revelation in the No.1 jersey as the Knights won four in a row without Ponga. Sharpe then stepped in last weekend and more than held his own in a hard-fought defeat in Melbourne.

Ponga has tried to help the pair without overloading them with information, something he learned from working alongside Slater.

Knights rookie Fletcher Sharpe has impressed in Kalyn Ponga’s absence. Picture: Getty Images

“I haven’t sat them down and done a full video session with them on different things,” Ponga said.

“I want them to learn themselves. When you go into big games and get information from everyone, that can sometimes have a negative effect.

“I wanted them to have the tools and not be underprepared, but at the same time the best way to learn can be trial and error, and being in different situations.

“Sometimes you can tell people but you don’t know until you are in that situation. A lot now what I teach or have said is what Billy has told me, so it has been passed down.”

Armstrong and Sharpe have more than held their own and in the process, given Ponga extra motivation to work his way back.

By the time he returns, the Knights should still be within shooting distance of the finals.

“They have done a good job,” Ponga said.

“We have probably had that one game after the bye which was our most disappointing performance but other than that, it has been easy to watch to be honest.

“For me, I want the boys to win. As much as I do want to be out there and play my role, I am happy watching them win.”

Originally published as NRL 2024: Knights star Kalyn Ponga opens up on contract furore, injury recovery