Newcastle star Kalyn Ponga could be set to receive a monster offer to join the NRL’s 17th franchise the Redcliffe Dolphins.
While the 23-year-old fullback is under contract, terms in his favour mean he could technically leave the Hunter Region at the end of 2022 if he wanted to cut his time there short.
With the second Brisbane side set to join the competition in 2023, Andrew Voss believes he has to be the start-up’s “number one target”.
Despite that, The Daily Telegraph’s David Riccio says the Knights are “supremely confident” in having him at the club until at least 2024.
“Look, there’d be a stack of water to go under the bridge to eventuate,” Riccio said on SEN 1170 Breakfast.
“The Knights are supremely confident that Kalyn Ponga will see out the remainder of his contract.
“However, it is rugby league, and there’s always ways out.
“With the set-up of Kalyn’s contract, the options are in his favour, which means for the 2023 and 2024 period of the current contract, Kalyn can determine if he wants to get out of those two years to go to another club.
“Effectively, Ponga is only contracted to the Knights until next season.”
Voss believes the Dolphins should throw the “most money” at Ponga when they enter the market to attract players.
“The more I like at players potentially available, he (Ponga) is my number one target,” Voss said.
“If Wayne Bennett’s my poster coach, to straight away get credibility for the new franchise, then Kalyn Ponga is my number one target.
“That’s going to be my number one signing, and in financial terms you’d throw the most money at Kalyn Ponga.”
Riccio believes Ponga is the perfect option for a new club due to his ability to appeal to the “next generation”.
“The new franchise needs a poster boy, they need a billboard and they need someone who can sell the dream to new fans and new members,” Riccio said.
“I’m struggling to think of another option who has that status. Yes, James Tedesco is the best fullback in the game, Tommy Trbojevic isn’t far behind him.
“But both James and Tom, the star power isn’t comparable to what Kalyn Ponga is to the next generation I don’t believe.
“That’s where Kalyn is absolutely the lead target if I’m the head of the Dolphins.”
The Dolphins will be free to negotiate with players who are out of contract for the 2023 season from November 1 this year.