He lived in Mount Isa, Queensland, during the early years of his life, and at the age of 8, he moved to Palmerston North, New Zealand, his father’s native land.
More than 100 family and friends from New Zealand, North Queensland and Western Australian spent three days in Newcastle for the birthday celebrations on the same weekend the Knights beat Cronulla in the opening round.
No, the advantage Ponga enjoys over his rivals is rooted deep within the tragedy that binds the Ponga family. Online Discussion Terms & Conditions. He loves it here and so does the family. He loves it here and so does the family. He is already an elite athlete and his development is only going to continue.”
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"We are all devastated for Kalyn and his family,"Brown said. He did not train on Wednesday and is believed to be battling a shoulder problem suffered during the loss to St George Illawarra.
How a devastating family tragedy drove football's $3.6M man Kalyn Ponga, 20, to State of Origin selection - after he came close to giving up the game altogether A further change is possible with backrower Sione Mata'utia also under an injury cloud. "It's obviously a time when family comes first and there are a lot more important things than a game of footy. It's understood the Knights fullback and his cousin, who was in Newcastle less than a month ago to help celebrate Ponga's 21st birthday, were a similar age and very close. Kalyn Ponga has endured the death of his brother and cousin to emerge as superstar sporting talent. Meanwhile, Connor Watson will come off the bench in a utility role after returning from a knee injury and will almost certainly take the place of Kurt Mann, who is set to be ruled out with injury. READ MORE: Newcastle Knights Watson ran freely at training on Wednesday after overcoming a knee medial strain that has kept him out of the club's past two matches and will deputise for hooker Danny Levi from the bench against Manly. Ponga was born in Port Hedland, Western Australia to New Zealand-born parents, and is of Māori descent by way of his father's ancestry.
... "We've told the Ponga family we'd like KP to extend his time with us," Gardner told the Herald in February.
This is his sister, Kayley’s home. His dad reveals the pride and joy he felt when he heard Kalyn address family and friends at his 21st.
Kalyn is of Māori descent. Provided there is no change, Ponga will start at fullback against the Eagles at McDonald Jones Stadium. Kalyn Ponga and his entire family were rocked by tragedy this week but the Newcastle star is putting his teammates ahead of himself. Ponga’s father, Andre said; “This decision was based on the positivity Kalyn can see in the club with the future of his football career and his ultimate goal of achieving a premiership. AAP. At this stage, he'll be flying home on Friday morning and we have put our captain's run back until the afternoon so he can be there to prepare." Newcastle poster boy Kalyn Ponga is set to sign a new deal with the Knights. "But I spoke to Andre this morning and he said Kalyn is desperate to play. Star fullback Kalyn Ponga is "desperate" to play against Manly on Saturday despite being heartbroken by the tragic death of his cousin in New Zealand that has left the extended Ponga family devastated.Ponga flew to New Zealand with his family on Tuesday after being told of the sudden death of his father Andre's niece with the funeral service expected to be held on Thursday.It's understood the Knights fullback and his cousin, who was in Newcastle less than a month ago to help celebrate Ponga's 21More than 100 family and friends from New Zealand, North Queensland and Western Australian spent three days in Newcastle for the birthday celebrations on the same weekend the Knights beat Cronulla in the opening round.Knights coach Nathan Brown said it is an extremely tough time for the family and the club has put no pressure on Ponga to return for the Eagles clash. He represented Queensland, the following year would also go on to play for the Under 23s Junior Australian team, Australia 9s and the Maori All Stars.The first round of the 2020 season marked Ponga’s 50th game in the NRL.A goal-kicker with a freakish ability to create, the 2018 Danny Buderus Medal winner, is yet to reach his ceiling.In his third season of regular first grade, Ponga is continuing to grow and mature as a player with his retention providing coach Adam O’Brien with stability in the spine, alongside the likes of captain Mitchell Pearce and hooker Jayden Brailey.“Today is a great day, not only for our team but also for our club supporters and sponsors,” O’Brien said.“To secure a young man of Kalyn’s talent but also his character and connection with our playing group and staff is a huge boost for our Club.
The family can see the Club and people within the organisation is a positive environment which will help Kalyn continue to grow away from the field.“A special thank you must go to Philip Gardner for his help and ease to deal with throughout the negotiation process.