Kalyn Ponga's future at the Newcastle Knights continues to come under the microscope.
It's been a tough season to date for the Hunter-based team, sitting 15th on the ladder with a 3-7 record.
Concerningly, they have scored just 128 points in 2025 – the fewest in the competition.
Ponga is contracted until the end of 2027, however, the club is reportedly "worried" about his future in Newcastle.
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According to Sydney Morning Herald journalist Michael Chammas, the Knights' poor form could start to agitate the star fullback.
"Newcastle in the background are worried about what this means for the future of Kalyn Ponga," he said on 100% Footy.
"Nothing has happened yet, and they'll deny it, but there is definitely a feeling at Newcastle that Kalyn Ponga, if things continue the way they're going, may come knocking at the end of the year looking for the exit door.
"That's the main concern around the Knights ... how they [can] create an environment where Kalyn Ponga doesn't think he's wasting his best years at the Newcastle Knights."
The Knights' lacklustre season hasn't prevented Ponga from earning State of Origin selection, with the 27-year-old to wear the Queensland No. 1 jersey in the series opener.
Newcastle will be without Ponga's services in Round 12 as he participates in Maroons camp ahead of Game 1.
Fletcher Sharpe is set to step in at fullback, with Jack Cogger and Tyson Gamble in the halves.