Clubs to stampede when red-hot rookie Ponga hits the market
TEENAGE prodigy Kalyn Ponga is about to become the most wanted rookie in rugby league with seven clubs, including two Sydney heavyweights, ready to battle for the livewire Cowboys fullback.
Unsigned beyond 2017, the rising North Queensland star will ignite a bidding frenzy when he arrives on the open market with a new, boutique management company from November 1.
It is understood up to seven clubs are interested in the 18year-old who, after making a surprise debut in the NRL finals series with North Queensland, was described by Cowboys star Johnathan Thurston as “one of the best (rookies) I have ever seen”.
While there has been interest from rugby union and the AFL, the ability to represent Queensland in State of Origin football is said to be a huge lure for the former junior golf star.
Indeed, despite being born in Western Australia and spending five years as a child in New Zealand, this footballer of Maori descent is now set to pledge his allegiance to both Australia and the Maroons.
And with his shift on to the NRL open market imminent, Ponga has signed on with rising management company Rush Sports, whose principal Wayde Rushton described the teen as “quiet, humble ... but undoubtedly one of league’s great talents”.
While Rushton refused to speculate on where interest in Ponga may come from, both the Gold Coast and Brisbane are understood to be keen on luring the teenage fullback from the Cowboys.
Further south, Newcastle, St George Illawarra and Canterbury are also likely suitors, while Melbourne and his current club North Queensland round out the seven said to be in the mix.
“We’re expecting a lot of interest come November,’’ Rushton said.