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Newcastle fullback Kalyn Ponga has laughed off reports linking him to Brisbane, saying he wants to win an NRL premiership with the Knights.
Kalyn Ponga has dismissed reports he's a target for Brisbane as 'pretty funny', saying his only goal is winning an NRL premiership with Newcastle.
The Queensland fullback has been linked to the struggling Broncos amid their roster raid on rival clubs as they attempt to rebuild from next season onwards.
Ponga has signed with the Knights until the end of 2024 but has a player option in his contract for the final two years, meaning he can negotiate from November this year.
However, on Friday the 23-year-old played down his interest in leaving.
"It's plucked out of thin air, it's pretty funny," Ponga said of the Brisbane link.
"I've stated many times that I'm happy here and I love this place. I don't know where that came from.
"I want to win a comp here and that's pretty much my only goal."
Ponga's assurance will come as welcome relief for the Knights who have their own battles this season.
The Knights have struggled with a mass of injuries and with just three wins on the board the club is desperate for a victory against the in-form Sydney Roosters on Saturday.
"It'd be huge," Ponga said.
"We want to win in front of our home team, we want to win away obviously, but I know the feeling of beating a quality team in front of this crowd so hopefully we can do it."
The Knights have won just two of the past 14 games against the Roosters, who have injury concerns of their own.
The Roosters will be without star fullback James Tedesco, who has been ruled out after copping a head knock in Anzac Day's victory over St George Illawarra.
Joey Manu will slot in as a replacement at the back, while Siosiua Taukeiaho is set to return from a rib cartilage injury that kept him out of the side last week.
"Siua brings some power to our team, he brings the physicality to the way he plays and it'll be good to get him back out there again," Roosters coach Trent Robinson said.
