Legendary Knights halfback Andrew Johns has stressed the importance of gun fullback Kalyn Ponga to Newcastle’s 2022 campaign.
Ponga’s value to Newcastle was reiterated when the Queensland State of Origin No.1 was made a co-captain on the cusp of the season, joining hooker Jayden Brailey in the joint role.
Johns, who in October became a Knights coaching consultant, has now underscored the need for Ponga to roam “all over the park” and to be “getting the ball in his hands”.
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“When things are bobbing up – whether it’s on the right, in the middle or on the left – he’s got to be getting the ball in his hands,” Johns said on Wide World of Sports’ Freddy and The Eighth.
“He’s our best player, he’s the most influential player we’ve got, most creative.
“The more ball he gets the better the side’s going to go.”
Ponga’s rise to Knights co-captaincy comes four years after he crossed from the Cowboys as a 19-year-old.
He’s since steered the Knights to two finals campaigns and played four games with the Maroons.
Johns said he’d had an “informal” chat with Ponga before he became a co-captain.
“I think it’s a great move for Kalyn, great move for the club,” Johns said.
“I think he can take his game to a whole new level. I think he’s still got – I won’t say a lot – improvement in him.
“I think the players around him are understanding what he’s trying to do.”
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Johns is working particularly closely with Ponga and playmakers Jake Clifford, Adam Clune, Phoenix Crossland and Kurt Mann in his new role.
“I love doing that sort of thing: coaching younger halves and helping them,” Johns said.
“To go home (to) a club I love and a town I’m invested in.
“I’m loving every minute.”
The Knights will get their season underway in a clash with the Roosters tomorrow.
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