The aspect of Ponga's game Holbrook should be excited by

Following Kalyn Ponga's return for the Knights, there was one particular aspect of his performance that Jimmy Smith believes would have coach Justin Holbrook excited for what's to come this season.

The star fullback, who played his first NRL match since last June, was electric for Newcastle in their 28-18 win over the Cowboys in Las Vegas on Sunday.

His play-making skills were on full display with two try assists whilst running for 156 metres, which saw him break nine tackles alongside a line break.

He was also diligent from the kicking tee, booting four of his five conversion chances, helping round out his return.  

Speaking on SEN’s Kick Off, Smith and Chad Townsend noted that the 2023 Dally M Medallist's buy in and positivity around the side would have fans and Holbrook excited for what the Queensland representative can produce.

Smith: “He was so… and this sounds weird to say, but he was so invested in the outcome of that game."

Townsend: “Whenever the Newcastle Knights did something well or an event happened, Kalyn Ponga was the first one there.”

Smith: “If I was Justin Holbrook, I (would be) really excited by that."

Townsend: “And your captain is leading the way, patting his teammates on the back, creating the energy.

“I thought it was a fantastic thing because Kalyn Ponga constantly has to answer questions about his future and his commitment to the Newcastle Knights.

“I thought it was a fantastic sign for Knights fans to put them a little bit at ease to say, ‘He’s here (and) he’s buying in’.”

Smith: “I challenge you to ask him about the All-Blacks clause in his contract.”

Ponga and the Knights will hope to continue their unbeaten start to the season when they travel to Brookvale Oval to play the Manly Sea-Eagles on March 15.