3 minute read
Kalyn Ponga’s long-term Newcastle commitment headlines a busy NRL contract shuffle that also sends Scott Drinkwater to the Dragons and secures fresh deals in North Queensland and at the Dolphins.
Newcastle have secured the biggest signature in their roster plans, with captain Kalyn Ponga committing to the Knights until at least the end of 2030, ending months of speculation over his NRL future.
Ponga's previous deal had been due to expire at the end of 2027, leaving him free to negotiate with rival clubs from 1 November. Instead, the 28-year-old fullback has signed a long-term extension that also includes options in his favour for the 2031 and 2032 seasons, effectively positioning him to finish his career in Newcastle.
The deal would take Ponga's time with the Knights to at least 13 seasons since arriving in 2018. It is also a major endorsement of coach Justin Holbrook's direction, with the club building around its established spine and younger talent. Ponga, the 2023 Dally M Medallist, remains one of the competition's marquee players when fit, and his re-signing removes one of the NRL's biggest contract storylines.
Meanwhile, St George Illawarra have confirmed the signing of North Queensland fullback Scott Drinkwater on a three-year deal from 2027, reportedly worth about $3 million.
Drinkwater joins Rabbitohs forward Keaon Koloamatangi as a headline addition for the Dragons' 2027 roster, strengthening a club intent on long-term rebuilding. Fresh from starring in the Cowboys' 12-point win over Cronulla, Drinkwater said he was drawn by the young talent emerging through the Dragons system and the chance to be part of that growth.
North Queensland have moved quickly in response, extending outside back Tom Chester through to the end of 2029. That follows a recent four-year extension for Jaxon Purdue, who is viewed internally as a future fullback option.
At the Dolphins, Selwyn Cobbo has signed a one-year extension for 2027. It keeps the former Queensland Origin winger at Redcliffe for now, although his short-term deal means rival interest could quickly return. Rugby league contracts rarely stay quiet for long, even when the ink is still drying.