Knights sign Kalyn Ponga replacement, Eels sign Rugby target

Some of the biggest shoes in the NRL have been filled over Kalyn Ponga’s position switch, as the Eels dodged a Rugby Australia threat.

The Knights have replaced Kalyn Ponga at fullback by signing Sharks utility Lachlan Miller on a three-year deal effective immediately.

The former Rugby Sevens star and Olympian made his NRL debut last year and scored three tries in seven appearances for Cronulla at fullback, wing and utility off the bench.

Ponga has moved into the halves for the 2023 season and Miller is expected to win the battle for the No. 1 jersey.

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“This signing provides us with more options in our backline, Newcastle director of football Peter Parr said.

“We have signed Lachlan predominantly to play fullback, we also believe he has the versatility to play multiple positions.

“He is a gifted athlete, with great speed and a player who will add excellent value to our squad.”

Lachie Miller is moving up the freeway. Photo by Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images

Miller scored 17 tries in 50 matches playing sevens for Australia on the world circuit, culminating in Olympic for the Tokyo Games.

In late 2021, he was signed by the Sharks after earning high praise for his performances for the Newtown Jets in the NSW Cup.

Miller starred in his NRL debut, scoring a 70-metre try, making 10 tackle busts and running for over 200 metres at fullback against the Titans in May last year.

The 28-year-old scored a try for the Sharks in their final-round win over the Knights and ultimately took out the Steve Rogers Award for the Sharks Rookie of the Year.

EELS YOUNG GUN RE-SIGNS

Parramatta flyer Will Penisini has signed a two-year extension that will keep him at the club until the end of 2025.

Penisini, 20, played every game in 2022, including the grand final, before representing Tonga at the World Cup.

“The Eels jersey means a lot to me, I grew up in the system and to be playing alongside my mates for the club I’ve loved my whole life is surreal,” Penisini said.

“Brad and the coaching staff have helped me come through the junior pathways since I was 14, I’m grateful for all the opportunities and the support I’ve had at the club.

“We finished the 2022 season strongly and I think we’ve laid a good platform to really challenge in the coming years.”

Penisini has picked League. Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images

Penisini was sounded out as one of Rugby Australia’s big targets after Eddie Jones was signed.

However, this news ends that chase at least for a couple of years.

Eels football manager Mark O’Neill added: “It’s great to see another local junior commit his future to the Eels. Will is humble and hard working, and he displays the leadership skills that we’re looking for at our club.

“His selection in the Tongan squad for the World Cup is was a great reward for his outstanding performances during the season, there’s no doubt he has a bright future ahead of him at the Eels.”

Originally published as Knights sign Kalyn Ponga replacement, Eels sign Rugby target