LeagueNews.co | Jason Patrick
The Sydney Roosters are intensifying their pursuit of Kalyn Ponga, hoping to make him their new long-term fullback.
Ponga is currently contracted with the Knights until 2027, but rumors suggest he may be unhappy with the current situation in Newcastle.
The Knights are facing a salary cap crunch and will undergo significant roster changes in 2026, including the arrival of Dylan Brown as the highest-paid player in the game.
According to journalist Andrew Webster, the Roosters are planning to make a move for Ponga once his current contract ends.
It is anticipated that Ponga could potentially join the Roosters in 2028.
This development comes as the Roosters prepare to offload several players at the end of 2025, such as Jackson Hastings, Adam Elliott, and Jayden Brailey.
While Ponga is currently committed to the Knights for the foreseeable future, the Roosters' interest in him is growing stronger.
The prospect of playing for a successful club like the Roosters could appeal to Ponga, especially with their track record of success in the NRL.
The Roosters' pursuit of Ponga underscores their ambition to strengthen their squad and secure top talent in the league.
Overall, the reports indicate that the Roosters are gearing up to make a serious bid for Ponga's services in the coming years.
With the prospect of a new challenge and potentially greater success with the Roosters, it will be interesting to see how the situation unfolds for both Ponga and the Knights.
The intensifying hunt for Ponga reflects the competitive nature of the NRL and the desire of clubs to secure elite players to enhance their chances of success.