Ponga content with move while JT laments the loss Great expectations

BIRTHDAY boy Kalyn Ponga insists he has no regrets about quitting the Cowboys despite losing the benefits of learning from champion playmaker Johnathan Thurston.

Thurston provided Ponga a close- up view of what he will miss next season when he delivered a sublime inside ball for the teenager to score his first NRL try against the Titans last week.

Ponga, who turns 19 today, will join wooden- spooners Newcastle on a $ 3 million deal from next season. The move has bitterly disappointed Thurston, who believes Ponga could ascend to stardom learning from representative players in the Cowboys’ system.

Ponga, who will make way for returning fullback Lachlan Coote ( calf) for tomorrow night’s clash against Souths, has no intention of reneging on his Knights deal.

“I’m happy with my decision,” he said. “I guess for me it was about opportunity, my future is sorted out and I’m looking forward to what I can achieve in the years ahead.

“In saying that, it was hard. The Cowboys are a great club and they have done a lot for me, particularly guys like Thurston and Morgo ( fiveeighth Michael Morgan), who I’ve learned a lot from.’’

Ponga threw a scare through the Cowboys when he injured his knee against Manly a fortnight ago. He was not 100 per cent fit against the Titans but the quick- stepping fullback moved freely enough to terrorise defenders in only his fourth NRL game.

With his speed and footwork, Ponga is making the NRL look easy but the attacking star says he is being tested.

“I came into the NRL last year in pretty different circumstances,” he said.

“I was thrown on to the wing ( for his debut in the finals against the Broncos) but I enjoy playing fullback and it’s been good to get some opportunities there.

“It’s definitely tough in the NRL. Defensively, there’s not as much room to move and mentally you can’t afford to drop off but so far I’m enjoying it.”

Like Cowboys teammate Jason Taumalolo, Ponga is eli- gible for both New and Queensland.

Taumalolo opted for the Kiwis, much to the dismay of former Maroons coach Mal Meninga, but Ponga insists he has not yet made up his mind.

“There’s still no decision there,” said Ponga, who was born in Australia but has New Zealand blood through his father Andre.

“It’s something I don’t need to rush. My focus at the moment is the Cowboys and making sure I play well for them. We’ll see what happens down the track.’’ Zealand