It’s the talk that just won’t go away.
Rumblings have consistently linked Kalyn Ponga with a move to the Roosters, and mathematically it could still happen.
Veteran fullback James Tedesco signed a contract extension until at least the end of the 2027 season on Thursday — which aligns with Ponga’s current deal.
The gun No.1 is signed with Newcastle until the end of 2027, but he has consistently been linked with an exit from the Hunter club.
The Daily Telegraph’s Phil Rothfield previously reported Roosters boss Nick Politis was eyeing off a move for Ponga.
Meanwhile, veteran journalist Andrew Webster revealed in March that the Roosters’ interest in Ponga is legitimate, with the glamour club keen to make a massive play for his services.
“The bigger story out of this is what it means for Kalyn Ponga and his future. He’s got two years to run at the Knights,” Webster said on SEN’s Morning Glory.
“The thing I want to make clear today, there’s been all this talk that Kalyn Ponga to the Roosters is speculative because of his relationship with Roosters recruitment manager Clint Zammit, well take it to the absolute bank that it’s more than that.
“This is on.
“The Roosters are definitely looking at trying to get Ponga there from 2028-onwards and it’s all part of a bigger rebuild at that club.”
Tedesco’s contract announcement included the phrase, “until the end of 2027”, which hints his contract has options, but it remains to be seen in whose favour.
These journalist’s claims were also made before Tedesco had a stellar 2025 campaign, winning the Dally M Medal and he’s tipped to win back his NSW jersey next year.
But still, a switch for Ponga in 2028 could be on the cards — especially when you consider the potential players departing and how much cap space they will have available.
