Kalyn Ponga will bring up his 150th NRL appearance this weekend, a milestone that doubles as a reminder of how central he has become to the Newcastle Knights both on and off the field.
At only 26, Ponga has reached the mark having already experienced the highs and lows of a career played under the spotlight.
His return to the side after suffering from an injury in recent weeks has coincided with a lift in confidence across the group, and coach Justin Holbrook says the fullback has continued to improve with experience.
“He definitely has improved with age,” he said.
“I think he’s shown that in the three games this year which is great.
“It was good having him back on the field.
“He is our leader and we do need him on the field.
“It was a huge inclusion having all the boys in last week, but in particular, having Ponga back was huge.”
Holbrook says the milestone is a significant achievement for a player who debuted as a teenager and has been a leader for much of his time in Newcastle.
“Great achievement,” he said.
“Obvisouly, in just 9 more games time, it’ll be 150 for the Knights and that’s even better.”
Since arriving in Newcastle in 2018, Ponga has become central to the Knights’ identity.
His long-term commitment to the club was also reinforced recently when he re-signed on April 25, 2026.
The move further underlined his to desure to remain the figurehead of the Knights’ future.
Holbrook says the retention of his captain was a major moment for the club.
“Kalyn is an elite player and an elite person and re-signing him is massive for us,” Holbrook said.
“His leadership within this group is exceptional.
“He sets the standard every single day, in training, in games, in the way he carries himself, and the players in this squad look to him.
“That kind of influence is invaluable as we continue to build toward the goals we have set for this club.
“He is one of the leading players in the NRL and he is ours.
“I could not be more pleased.”
Whether playing fullback or five-eighth during various stages of his career, his ability to break open a game and direct those around him has made him one of the competition’s most watched players.
As Newcastle prepare for tonight’s fixture in Wollongong against the Dragons, the occasion adds extra meaning for the group.
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