Ponga leads Knights from wooden spoon to grand final in one year
Kalyn Ponga has steered Newcastle from last place to their first grand final in 25 years, facing Sydney Roosters on Sunday.
Kalyn Ponga stood at a crossroads a few years ago and asked himself who he wanted to be. The answer has led Newcastle Knights from the wooden spoon last season to the grand final.
Ponga, who admits he was difficult to manage in his younger years, matured into a leader capable of carrying the dreams of an entire city. Ponga will captain the Knights against Sydney Roosters at Accor Stadium on Sunday night.
The turnaround in one year has stunned observers given Newcastle's collapse to last place in 2025 and questions over Ponga's commitment. He earned the Dally M Medal in 2023 despite serious concussions threatening his career.
Knights teammate Dylan Lucas said Ponga has always been a leader but now others see it too.
- Newcastle Knights captain
- Current position
- 1997
- Last premiership
- 2023
- Dally M Medal year
- One year from wooden spoon to grand final
- Turnaround timeframe
Why it mattersA club at rock bottom 12 months ago now stands one game away from its first premiership since 1997, a dramatic reversal that shows the power of strong leadership.
AustraliaNewcastle supporters will experience their first grand final in a generation, with the city united behind the Knights for the first time in decades.
Corroborated bycanberratimes.com.au
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 2 h ago
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