The Newcastle Knights are at a crossroads, with coaching uncertainty and star fullback Kalyn Ponga’s future both hanging in the balance.
In a week of turmoil, current head coach Adam O’Brien is expected to be shown the door.
Behind the scenes, Ponga has reportedly engaged a rugby union agent to explore a possible code switch, with Japan emerging as a potential destination.
According to Wide World of Sports, there’s a twist that could keep the Queensland Origin star in Newcastle: the potential appointment of Josh Hannay as head coach.
MORE: Newcastle Knights face potential Kalyn Ponga exit
Ponga is believed to share a strong bond with Hannay, formed during recent Origin campaigns where the former NRL centre served as the Maroons’ assistant coach and helped refine Ponga’s fullback game.
Hannay is one of several names in the frame to lead the club, alongside current assistant Blake Green, former Souths halfback Willie Peters (now thriving at Hull KR), and ex-Parramatta coach Brad Arthur, who is also being linked to the Gold Coast Titans.
While Ponga’s camp has initiated contact with a New Zealand-based agent and looked into Japanese rugby options, with Kiwi franchises reportedly unable to match his asking price.
A switch remains far from confirmed at this point in time.
With the coaching decision set to influence both Ponga’s immediate plans and the Knights’ trajectory, all eyes are on Newcastle ahead of a pivotal off-season.