Newcastle Knights coach Adam O’Brien has revealed that Kalyn Ponga has been training as a five-eighth since he was ruled out for the remainder of the 2022 NRL season.
Ponga signed a contract extension in 2022 for over $1 million dollars midway through last season yet has failed to live up to his massive potential.
O’Brien said that the 24-year-old has transformed himself into a five-eighth during the off-season and he is excited to see how Ponga performs when the season begins.
“When Kalyn was ruled out for the end of the (2022) season with his HIA issues, the decision was made then,” O’Brien said on SEN 1170 Breakfast.
“If we were ever going to move Kalyn to six, now was the time.
“Essentially, we’ve had five months to change his training program and he’s obviously put some size on.
“He’s been training at six all summer and he has been doing a really good job at it.
“We’ve had a number of guys train (at fullback) over the summer such as young Bailey Hodgson who is finally injury free.
“He’s trained there most of the summer alongside guys like Dane Gagai and Tyson Gamble has spent some time back there.
“Strengthening that fullback spot remains a priority for us.”
Ponga will be paired in the halves with former Wests Tigers, Sea Eagles and Roosters halfback Jackson Hastings.
O’Brien said that the addition of Hastings has given Ponga plenty of confidence in his new role.
“(Hastings) will make the transition for Kalyn to six so much easier,” O’Brien continued.
“He knows the game well and he’s a general so he will steer the team around, he’s very vocal and he’s very clear about what he wants those to do around him.
“That allows Kalyn to be himself and doesn’t bog him down with a lot of responsibility of him being a director.
“I want Jackson to steer the team around and get Kalyn the ball in the space that we need to get him in.
“They’re working really well together at the moment.”
The Knights will begin their 2023 campaign against the Warriors in Wellington on March 3.