Record Knights signing kicks off any pressure for 2018 Ponga keeps his cool

HE is just 19 years old and has signed the most lucrative contract in the history of the Newcastle Knights but Kalyn Ponga has brushed off the suggestion he will be expected to pull the club from the NRL doldrums.

Ponga had his first session with his new Newcastle teammates yesterday after his high- profile decision to leave the North Queensland Cowboys.

The highly rated fullback was signed to the Knights on a four- year deal worth a reported $ 3 million despite having nine games of NRL experience.

After three straight wooden spoons, the Knights were desperate for a marquee player around which they could build the club.

Ponga’s signing was criticised in some quarters as excessive because he was unproven in first grade and was yet to prove he was the answer to the Knights’ problems.

Asked if he was feeling pressure ahead of season 2018 as the club’s big name recruit, he said: “No, not really. I’m just excited to get started.

“I know what the coaches want, the only pressure I really feel is the pressure I put on myself.

“If I work hard and get myself fit and I’m comfortable with where I’m at, then I’m happy. I don’t feel too much pressure.”

While some have touted Ponga as a future playmaker, he said he only wanted to play fullback, with fellow recruit Connor Watson and youngster Brock Lamb expected to play No. 6 and No. 7 respectively.

Ponga was given a taste of firstgrade in the Cowboys’ 2016 semi- final victory over Brisbane.

He was expected to become a regular first- grader last year, however after accepting the big- money offer from the Knights he was largely overlooked by North Queensland coach Paul Green, called up for only seven NRL appearances.

“It did take me a little while but once I did I was comfortable,” Ponga said when asked about his decision to resist offers to remain in Townsville.

“It was easy, I saw an opportunity and I just took it.”

Meanwhile, fellow Newcastle recruit Aidan Guerra has declared the new- look Knights are capable of playing finals football in 2018.

“We will be hoping to be there in September. There is no two ways about it,” the 29- year- old former Roosters veteran said.