Andrew Johns gives Kalyn Ponga blessing to pursue rugby union career amid rumours of code switch

Newcastle legend Andrew Johns has insisted there will be “no animosity” towards Kalyn Ponga if he chooses to leave the club amid speculation the Knights star is considering a code switch.

Newcastle legend Andrew Johns has a message for Kalyn Ponga should he decide he wants to leave the club to pursue a career in rugby union – thank you.

This masthead revealed on Tuesday that Ponga was a target for rebel rugby union competition R360, and was also on the radar of European clubs after a New Zealand-based agent had started exploring overseas interest.

Ponga has remained tight-lipped on his future but the Knights are expected to hold talks with him in the next 48 hours to determine whether there is any veracity to the claims.

Johns, the greatest player in Newcastle history, insists if Ponga departs, he will do so with his blessing.

“I give him a big thank you for coming to the club and if he wants to move on, I say thank you for what you have done for the club,” Johns told the Freddie and the Eighth podcast.

“He has carried the club. He signed after the three wooden spoons in a row and that year, the Cowboys got to a grand final.

Andrew Johns has thanked Kalyn Ponga for his contribution to the Knights. Picture: Scott Gardiner/Getty Images

“Look, he got signed for big money but struggling clubs have to pay overs for a marquee player. He has attracted players to the club, he has attracted sponsors, I would imagine his social media reach would be huge.

“So I would say thank you to Kalyn for what you have delivered to the club. Thank you very much. If you want to move on, so be it.

“No animosity whatsoever.”

Ponga isn’t the only high-profile NRL star in the sights of the fledgling R360 competition, which has until the end of September to secure enough signatures to make the competition feasible.

Former England rugby union star Mike Tindall, one of the key figures behind the plan, was recently in Australia and attended the final game of the State of Origin series, where he and his wife Zara were guests of Nicole Slater, the wife of Queensland coach Billy Slater.

The pair were seen after the game celebrating in the Maroons dressing sheds. Storm star Nelson Asofa-Solomona is believed to be another potential target for R360 along with fullback Ryan Papenhuyzen.

Kalyn Ponga’s season is over with a foot injury. Picture: Scott Gardiner/Getty Images

Asofa-Solomona is contracted for another two years on a lucrative deal while Melbourne are locked in talks with Papenhuyzen over an extension beyond next season, when his current deal expires.

“I’ve just got a big focus for winning the premiership and hopefully going back-to-back next year and then we’ll see, but you always look forward to your future and see what’s happening,” Papenhuyzen said.

“I’m sure my manager is doing a good job with that and has got it all under control.”

Warriors star Roger Tuivasa-Sheck is also believed to be on the verge of joining R360 as concern grows in the NRL over the prospect of rugby union raiding the ranks of rugby league.

Alarm bells have been ringing for weeks in clubland and it is understood Tuivasa-Sheck is only the tip of the iceberg as rugby union, with the financial muscle of private backing, threatens to turn its attention to the NRL.

Ponga is yet to declare his plans but he has been linked with rugby union for much of his career given his family ties to New Zealand and his connection to the All Blacks.

“He is that good, he probably deserves to be on the world stage,” Johns said.

“He’s not going to win a comp at Newcastle. He plays for Queensland and he hasn’t played for Australia – does he see himself as a Kiwi.

“I imagine the carrot is to play for the All Blacks.”

Originally published as Andrew Johns gives Kalyn Ponga blessing to pursue rugby union career amid rumours of code switch