Newcastle superstar Kalyn Ponga has ended weeks of speculation about his playing future by sticking solid with the Knights.

Reports surfaced at the weekend the Hunter-based organisation had withdrawn its offer to its captain, igniting rumours he was bound for new franchise side, the Dolphins.

Ponga was one of Wayne Bennett’s primary targets and the 17th club is now expected to heavily chase under-contract Melbourne five-eighth Cameron Munster.

The gifted fullback had until 1 June to inform Knights’ management of his decision to exercise an option in his deal to stay at Newcastle in 2023.

The player options in the final two years (2023, 2024) of his four-year deal, which he signed in 2020, yielded all the negotiating power to the Queensland State of Origin representative.

But, Ponga declared on Wednesday he’d signed a five-season contract, keeping him at the Knights until the end of 2027.

He joined Newcastle in 2018 as an exciting teenager on a four-year deal.

And, after 76 NRL games, 35 tries and countless magic moments, Ponga has quickly established himself as a marquee player and genuine game breaker.

Knights and Wests Group CEO Philip Gardner highlighted the significance of the new pact.

“Kalyn is a quality person with great family values,” he said.

“We are delighted to secure his future and look forward to watching him lead this club for a very long time.

“This signature adds to the forward momentum we are building, giving loyal Knights members and the local community another reason to be excited.

“Kalyn sees the vision and direction we have committed to take for the club.

“He agrees we have the right coach, appreciates the exciting new facilities, and wants to succeed with the Newcastle Knights.  

“I want to personally thank Kalyn, and his father Andre, for the respectful manner and professional approach they have applied throughout negotiations.”

Ponga expressed his excitement about the certainty the new five-year contract delivered.

“I would like to thank everyone who has helped throughout this process,” he said.

“I’m grateful for the huge amount of time and hard work it has taken to get this new five-year deal completed, especially my family and key people from the club.

“My teammates have been awesome, they have shown me every respect and patience, without any pressure throughout the negotiations.

“We are a very connected group.

“And, I am confident there are great things ahead for us.

“It has taken a long time to get to get to this position.

“I have always said big decisions like these should not be rushed and we have taken the necessary time required.

“There has been a lot of reporting and opinions throughout the past few weeks, which I understand completely, and respect is a part of the game.

“I would like to thank all of those who have given me the respect of allowing me the space and time I needed to come to this decision – I am excited to have it done and now I can get on with contributing to the club and city that I love.”

This new deal will start for the 2023 season, replacing all existing options and clauses from the current contract.

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