It's official! North Queensland Cowboys coach Paul Green has confirmed that talented teenager Kalyn Ponga has signed with the Newcastle Knights.
Speaking at a press conference this morning, Green conceded the club were "disappointed to lose him".
“Look, it’s early days, so there’s a cooling off period, but we expect Kalyn to go there (to the Knights),” Green said.
Ponga will join the Knights in 2018 on a five-year $3 million deal.
When asked if Ponga had requested an early release, Green said he wasn't sure but made it clear that a release would not be granted either way.
“Kalyn’s contracted to us for next year, he’s part of our plans for next year and as such he’s expected to play for us,” Green said.
“This is the competitive nature of the industry that we’re part of, so I’m going to pick the best team possible and if Kalyn’s part of that then he’ll be in the team, simple as that.”