A shock report on the future of Newcastle superstar Kalyn Ponga has been shot down by the player, club, and legend Andrew Johns.
As Ponga was playing for the Knights against St George Illawarra in Wollongong, news broke regarding a contract extension at the club.
The report claimed an extension offer that had been on the table, had been taken off.
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Ponga, 24, is technically a free agent, but he has options on his current contract that he can activate for seasons 2023 and 2024.
He has to make a decision on that before June 1. Adding to the intrigue is the fact the NRL’s new team, the Dolphins, are trying to lure him back to Queensland for next season.
Journalist Michael Chammas explained to Nine that the contract extension in question is not part of Ponga’s current deal, and the club is denying the report.
“I’ve spoken to people at the Knights, they are surprised by these reports,” Chammas said.
Johns – who is working with Ponga at the Knights this season – completely rubbished the report.
“I don’t believe it. Simple as that,” Johns told Nine.
“The Knights want to keep Kalyn at all costs. I know there is a process at the moment.
“We all know the Dolphins are chasing him. I just simply don’t believe it, I don’t think the Knights would pull that extension.”
Following their loss to the Dragons, Ponga and coach Adam O’Brien had to field questions from the media about the story.
The answer was emphatic.
“Ridiculous. I had breakfast this morning and (the report was) we were signing (Cameron) Munster… I can’t keep up with you guys, fair dinkum,” O’Brien said.
“I think his performance tonight showed how committed he is to this team, and we are committed to him too.”
Ponga was asked what he thought of the report when he was informed after the game.
“I don’t even worry about it,” he said.
“I know you guys want to know what I’m doing. I respect you, I hope you guys respect I want to make this decision on my terms, so that’s what I’m going to do.”
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