Kalyn Ponga Ready to Let Actions Do the Talking as Knights Enter New Era
Newcastle Knights captain Kalyn Ponga is entering his ninth season with the club determined to let his actions speak louder than words, as the team embarks on a new chapter under coach Justin Holbrook. The star fullback, who turns 28 in March, has spent much of the pre-season managing a foot injury but remains optimistic about the Knights' prospects for the 2026 NRL campaign.
A Season of Renewal and Reflection
Since joining Newcastle from North Queensland in 2018, Ponga has experienced the highs and lows of rugby league. The Knights have made the finals four times during his tenure, but only once advanced past the first week of the play-offs. Last season was particularly challenging, with the team winning just six of 24 games and finishing on a nine-game losing streak, while Ponga watched from the sidelines with a Lisfranc foot injury.
"I have seen a few versions of this club, I've been here for eight or nine years," Ponga told the Newcastle Herald. "I definitely feel like the club, despite the results last year, where the club is at now, people that are within it, everyone is hungry to win. But it's all well and good to have all that, for now, it's about actions for us."
New Faces and Fresh Energy
The Knights have undergone significant changes in the off-season, with Justin Holbrook taking over as head coach and marquee signing Dylan Brown joining on a 10-year deal. Several new players and staff have also been brought in, while Peter Parr has assumed the role of chief executive officer.
"It's been good. It's been refreshing. New faces, new energy, new ideas," Ponga said. "That's what happens when you bring people in, and the people we've brought in are quality people, both players and staff. For now, it's just about actioning all the little things we've spoken about in the pre-season, and staying committed to that throughout the year."
Overcoming Injury Setbacks
Ponga's pre-season has been hampered by bone bruising in his left foot, which forced him into a moon boot and limited his training time. However, he is on track to feature in the season opener against his former club, the North Queensland Cowboys, despite missing Newcastle's two pre-season trials.
"Foot's good. It's been a bit of a process, unfortunately," Ponga admitted. "But I guess, fortunately, I've been in this position a few times before, and I know what to expect and what I need to do to get myself right."
Building Key Combinations
With new playmakers Dylan Brown and Sandon Smith in the squad, along with Fletcher Sharpe returning from injury, forming effective combinations is crucial. Ponga believes his experience will help fast-track these connections once he returns to full training.
He has already developed a strong off-field rapport with Brown, describing the new recruit as "pretty chill" and even more relaxed than himself. "He is my roomy, or he has been for a couple of things. But he makes me stressed," Ponga joked. "So I think he is more relaxed than I am. But I'm hugely excited for that."
Trials and Team Development
Newcastle suffered a 28-18 trial loss to the Dragons last week, but Ponga saw positives in the performance. The match allowed coach Holbrook to assess 25 players, including several fringe first-graders, as the team builds towards round one.
"I thought it was good," Ponga said of the trial. "The boys that were out there did a good job. We looked pretty sound, in both attack and defence. A few things we need to work on, and that's what trials are good for, to identify those things. But all in all, it was a good trial."
As the Knights prepare for their Las Vegas opener, Ponga's leadership and on-field actions will be pivotal in turning the club's fortunes around and delivering the success that has eluded them in recent seasons.
