‘They’re worried’: Kalyn Ponga rumour is serious problem for Newcastle

The continued unrest at the Newcastle Knights is turning ugly with superstar fullback Kalyn Ponga named in a report.

Continued unrest at the Newcastle Knights could lead to the early departure of superstar fullback Kalyn Ponga according to a bombshell report.

The Knights are struggling mightily in 2025, sitting in 15th on the NRL ladder having recorded just three wins from ten games.

They’re long odds of playing finals footy and given how poor their attack has been this season, it’s hard to see them righting the ship and making a run at the top eight.

FOX LEAGUE, available on Kayo Sports, is the only place to watch every game of every round in the 2025 NRL Telstra Premiership, LIVE with no ad-breaks during play. New to Kayo? Get your first month for just $1. Limited-time offer >

Sydney Morning Herald reporter Michael Chammas said that if Newcastle’s form doesn’t improve, Ponga could angle for an early release on a deal that currently runs through until the end of 2027.

Kalyn Ponga is at a crossroads. Photo by Brendon Thorne/Getty Images.

“Newcastle in the background are worried about what this means for the future of Kalyn Ponga,” Chammas said on 100% Footy.

“Nothing has happened yet and they’ll deny it but there is definitely a feeling at Newcastle that Kalyn Ponga, if things continue the way they’re going, may come knocking at the end of the year looking for the exit door.

“That’s the main concern around the Knights. How do they create an environment where Kalyn Ponga doesn’t think he’s wasting his best years at the Newcastle Knights.”

Ponga will have no shortage of suitors should a move materials. The Roosters are reportedly keen on signing him if he becomes available while there have also been reports that he’s interested in a switch to rugby union to play for the All Blacks.

Regardless, the Knights need to turn things around and fast in order to keep their star No. 1.

The team’s form has led to rumours emerge over the coaching future of Adam O’Brien, but Chammas has revealed that the coach will be given until the end of the season because of a hefty payout figure in O’Brien’s favour if he’s sacked.

“There are alarm bells the way they are playing but he’ll be given until the end of this year to turn it around with the Knights,” Chammas said.

“They do not want to pay him out, it’s $2 million, maybe a little bit more.”

Originally published as ‘They’re worried’: Kalyn Ponga rumour is serious problem for Newcastle