Knights spearhead Kalyn Ponga is 100% positive he’ll be right to lead Newcastle into the season opener in Las Vegas in less than two months’ time.
The new-look Hunter outfit, with coach Justin Holbrook now calling the shots, will tackle the North Queensland Cowboys at Allegiant Stadium to kick off 2026.
And, while the players, staff and fans are looking forward to the overseas jaunt, most of the talk still centres around the talented No. 1, who’s returned to the fold on a modified training program.
Ponga suffered a Lisfranc injury in round 17, which ruled him out for the rest of the year and the Ashes tour of England.
But, the skipper admitted the club had adopted a “conservative approach” with his rehab.
“I’m very comfortable with where I’m at,” he said.
“The foot feels pretty good, I’m ticking boxes.
“I hope things are rolling along well, which is exciting.
“I’m just keen to get back out there.
“More of a precautionary process has been taken this time around.
“I think we did the correct thing by sort of backing off a little bit.
“We’d rather get it right now than have these sorts of troubles in the season and miss games.
“Unfortunately, I’ve managed a few injuries in my career.
“So, it’s nothing new to me.
“I know what I need to do… make sure I tick every box and get myself back on the paddock.
“I’m very confident of taking the field in Las Vegas.
“It should be a terrific experience.”
Ponga joined more than 250 colleagues at the Knights Club Day at the Newcastle Permanent Centre of Excellence during the week.
All teams, from the pathways to the NRL and NRLW, took part in a combined training session in sweltering conditions.
“It’s become a bit of a tradition now, which has evolved over the years,” he said.
“The energy’s high, everyone’s excited to be here.
“It’s important for us to connect, it’s not very often you get the whole club together.
“You see some familiar faces, as well as some new people, and hopefully help each other… and learn.
“It’s a great opportunity to do those sorts of things.”
The captain also sang the praises of high-profile recruit Dylan Brown, young gun Cody Hopwood and local junior Toby Winter.
“You can tell Dyl’s classy,” Ponga said.
“From the get-go, the first day, you see why we’ve signed him and why he’s here.
“I haven’t been out on the field with him yet, which is unfortunate, but from the conversations we’ve had, and watching video on him, it’s been quite enjoyable.
“He’s a class act.
“Then, off the back of last season and the way he’s come back this year, Cody’s been awesome, too.
“He’s an impressive young man on and off the field, to be honest.
“Just the way he holds himself.
“We also had some young boys train with us pre-Christmas.
“Toby was pretty impressive, literally a fresh 18-year-old.
“So, to have those youngsters here ripping in, coming in every day with a smile, it’s a breath of fresh air and adds a bit of excitement around the place.”
Ponga acknowledged the arrival of ex-Gold Coast mentor Holbrook as a major plus as well.
“It’s been good… he’s brought his style, demeanour, which I guess is what happens when you’re a head coach,” he said.
“From what I’ve witnessed, everyone’s excited to get in here, learn and train.
“The past four months of pre-season, it’s all about hard work, discovering our DNA and who we are.
“So, that’s been our focus.
“When people think about Newcastle, it’s the town, it’s the city, it’s the grit, hard-workers that’s at the forefront.
“Our fans want us to reflect that… and I think it’s important that we do.
“It’s easy to say these things but it’s about working hard to make sure it happens.
“And, Justin’s definitely been driving that.”
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