Knights superstar Kalyn Ponga is reportedly being targeted by overseas rugby union franchises, who are plotting an audacious bid to recruit the gun fullback.
The 27-year-old is currently contracted until the end of the 2027 season, with the threat of a poaching road by the Perth Bears also lingering for Knights powerbrokers.
However, his reported $1.4 million Newcastle salary could be minnowed by the potential $2 million deals on offer in European rugby.
Ponga was born in Port Hedland WA, but has consistently been linked with rugby after spending his high school years playing for Churchie’s First XV.
He has also made no secret of his desire to one day represent the All Blacks, which a move to rugby could kickstart should he wish to follow that path.
Ponga also reportedly is passionate about the Knights and the Maroons, who he will represent in the No.1 jersey in Game II of the 2025 Origin series on Wednesday.
“Yes, there’s been some interest in Kalyn from rugby clubs overseas,” Ponga’s father Andre said.
“We’ve had a few parties calling us saying there’s interest, but I try not to listen to managers and other people.
“The interest is from overseas rugby, but it’s not a conversation we are worrying about right now.
“There has been talk about Kalyn going overseas at the end of 2027, but Kalyn is staying patient and seeing where the Knights are.
“He doesn’t want to be rushed into a decision two years out.
“There’s still a lot of time ahead for him. I am always one to say to him, ‘See what your options are and then you can make a considered decision about your future’.”
The next rugby world club takes place in 2027, the same year his contract with the Knights expires, meaning it would be unlikely he could feature in that tournament.
Andre Ponga, meanwhile, said he wouldn’t push his son to make a switch to the 15-man code.
“To be honest, I would probably encourage him not to go to rugby, but I will always support what Kalyn wants to do, rather than telling him what he should do,” he said.
“There are two more franchises coming into the NRL over the next few years. He is coming off-contract at the right time to know what the next phase of his career is going to look like.
“There will be a new salary cap in 2027-28 and they say these are the golden years Kalyn is coming into.”
BRONCOS’ PLAN TO EXTEND FLYER
Broncos powerbrokers have reportedly handed flyer Josiah Karapani a two-year offer to extend his time at the Red Hill club according to Code Sports.
That move could spell the end of Selwyn Cobbo’s time in Brisbane, with his management reportedly holding urgent discussions with the Broncos on Thursday.
Cobbo was dropped ahead of Round 14, and as it stands he is without a contract for the 2026 season.
The 23-year-old could field seven-figure offers from rivals, while NRL newcomers the Perth Bears could also come to the table for his signature.
With Karapani potentially signing an extension, the Broncos’ salary cap squeeze is set to become even tighter, meaning there’s less money to retain Cobbo.
Karapani played 10 NRL games for Brisbane in 2024, but played his first game of the season against the Titans, scoring a double.
“He’s been really consistent in the way he’s been playing through the pre-season,” Michael Maguire said of Karapani.
“Josiah worked hard and he showed a lot of good signs there and he’s experienced first grade. I can’t be happier with his attitude.”
Cobbo turned out at fullback for Wynnum-Manly Seagulls last week and will once again line up at fullback in Queensland Cup while the Broncos have a week off with the bye.
