LeagueNews.co | Jess Malloy
Newcastle Knights are reportedly looking to offer Kalyn Ponga a record-breaking $2 million deal to discourage links to the Roosters, following the signing of Dylan Brown on a 10-year, $13 million contract.
The Eels five-eighth's massive deal has sparked speculation about Ponga's future, with concerns about the club's ability to afford to keep him.
Despite interest from rugby union and growing Roosters rumors, Knights recruitment manager Peter O'Sullivan remains confident in Ponga's loyalty to Newcastle.
O'Sullivan expressed, "I'll go to Kalyn and his dad at some stage - probably in the next couple of weeks - and see if they want to sit down." The Knights are banking on a potential increase in the NRL's salary cap due to new TV deals, making Brown's deal seem less extravagant in the future as playmakers demand higher salaries.
O'Sullivan also dismissed concerns about Ponga leaving, stating, "I know how much he loves Newcastle.
I know he's happy and playing the best footy of his career." The Knights are proactive in securing the services of the talented fullback, with negotiations for an extension expected to commence soon to keep Ponga until 2030.