Knights employ Ponga senior. Nothing to see here...
NRL news: Knights make play for Kalyn Ponga’s father in bid to deny Dolphins
In a move which may deny Wayne Bennett his marquee signing, a shrewd Newcastle is set to make a play for Kalyn Ponga’s father.
Dean Ritchie
Could this be the clincher for Kalyn?
In a move which may deny Wayne Bennett his marquee signing, a shrewd Newcastle is looking to employ Kalyn Ponga’s father to the
Knights’ NRLW team staff.
Desperate to retain the brilliant Ponga in the face of a massive offer from Bennett’s Dolphins, the
Knights will ask the NRL salary cap auditor whether the club can employ Andre Ponga in a paid mentoring role with the club’s women’s side, who will compete in the NRLW this year for the first time.
And in a bold statement, Knights CEO Phil Gardner said he would “sue the arse off” any critics who accuse the Knights of acting illegally or unethically regarding the club’s salary cap.
Andre has been working with female Newcastle players in a voluntary role but a future paid job has been discussed by both parties.
Employing Andre might be the wily move that leads to his son re-committing to Newcastle when his current deal expires after next season.
Bennett and the Dolphins have identified Ponga as their premier signing for 2023.
The Knights have imported a number of women from New Zealand and North Queensland for this coming season with Ponga senior having helped the relocated players in cultural coordination and mentoring.
