Newcastle legend Andrew Johns has taken aim at the “circus” surrounding Kalyn Ponga‘s contract extension.
The Knights on Wednesday announced a new five-year deal for the superstar fullback, keeping him out of the clutches of the NRL’s newest outfit, the Dolphins.
The news put to bed an ugly couple of weeks for the Knights and the man who wears the No.1.
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Two weeks in a row, Ponga was peppered in the post-game press conference by questions about his contract situation. It overshadowed the team’s performances on the field – although the club may have been thankful for that at least.
On Sunday, news broke midway through Newcastle’s game against St George Illawarra, claiming the Knights had withdrawn a contract offer to Ponga. The press conference was derailed by questions about that story.
Even in the wake of Wednesday’s announcement, reports emerged criticising the way Ponga and his father and manager, Andre, had handled negotiations with the Knights and Dolphins.
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“It was a circus. Kalyn and his father, Andre, have done nothing wrong in this process,” Johns told Wide World of Sports’ Immortal Behaviour.
“They are very thorough in what they have done in this. The reporting on Sunday that the deal had been pulled, that was wrong. That was absolute BS.
“I think the circus that was created around it was really disappointing. I understand a couple of weeks ago they had agreed to terms, but they were nutting out a few minor things. This was done before the CEO Phil Gardner went away.
“Once again, they have done nothing wrong. Through it all they have shown great integrity.
“But the BS that has been put out there, and the circus that has been created, I think has really affected Kalyn.”
Johns was asked whether the situation had impacted Ponga off the field, or on the field.
“Not on the field… his knee has been shot. He probably shouldn’t have played the first couple of weeks,” Johns revealed.
“He went out there very well underdone, and played well the first couple of weeks. Then all this started brewing… I thought last week against the Dragons I thought he was one of the best players on the field.
“He would have learned a lot from this, and so would his father Andre.
“This is the biggest decision in Kalyn’s life… he took his time. Everyone is different. I think he’s made the right decision.”
Ponga is 24 and is already an established State of Origin star for Queensland, and considered one of the best fullbacks in the game.
Johns is adamant Ponga is far from reaching his full potential, and is confident the player can achieve that in the Hunter.
And if he does, the Knights will be a good chance of breaking their premiership drought that stretches back to 2001, when Johns led the team to its second title in five years.
Johns says Ponga has the potential to finish his career considered among the Newcastle greats – a list including Johns, Danny Buderus, and Paul Harragon.
“By the time he finishes he will be in the top three, without a doubt,” Johns said.
“And if he can deliver a premiership, his legacy lives forever in the town. If he does that, I will buy him a grandstand. I will build him a new grandstand.”
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