Knights superstar Kalyn Ponga is set to front the media on Monday morning for the first time since the infamous toilet cubicle scandal — and The Daily Telegraph’s Phil Rothfield has called for him to “show a little bit of remorse”.
In August last year, Ponga, alongside teammate Kurt Mann, was filmed leaving a toilet cubicle in a Newcastle pub, being ushered out of the venue by staff.
Both players were injured at the time and neither received any punishment for their actions which garnered widespread criticism.
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Now, Rothfield has questioned why the marquee star was ”hidden away” for six months in the aftermath of the incident and called on Ponga to recognise his wrongdoing.
It has also been revealed a ratchet clause in Ponga’s contract has seen his yearly salary soar to a reported $1.4 million-per-season — making him one of the NRL’s highest earners.
“Kalyn Ponga was out with the repercussions of concussion and any doctor will tell you… if you are suffering from concussion or repeated concussions you are supposed to have three to six months off alcohol,” Rothfield said on the Big Sports Breakfast.
“Ponga last year, bought a new house in Newcastle, grabbed Kurt Mann and spent the afternoon at the pub while their team was being flogged interstate.
“They were both sprung on a video that went on social media leaving a toilet cubicle, it was a really bad look for the club, there was suggestions they swept it under the carpet.
“The NRL Integrity Unit let it go, now he’s a go that is $1.4 million this year, obviously the ratchet clause comes into his contract with the new salary cap.
“This guy is a potential champion of the game… to his credit, I am having a crack at him for not being professional on that day on the booze, but they say he’s the best trainer at the club, not just the best player.
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“He’s super fit despite a calf injury, but I’d just like to see him today at this press conference, as captain of the club, I think it is important to take a bit of ownership and tell people what happened.
“Show a little bit of remorse, I don’t like the fact that he’s been hidden away for the last six months.”
Ponga is currently sporting a calf injury and is unlikely to feature in the pre-season challenge after playing only 14 games last season.
Even whilst carrying the niggling injury, Newcastle assistant coach Andrew Johns couldn’t be more impressed with the million-dollar gun who is making the move to the halves this season.
“Kalyn does things at training and you just shake your head,” Johns said to News Corp.
“Mate he’s so gifted. Some of the things he does … it’s frightening.
“As for the pressure and expectations, it doesn’t seem to bother him.”
Knights coach Adam O’Brien has recruited two new spine players, hoping to unlock Ponga who is making the switch to five-eighth.
Jackson Hastings, who was solid on debut against the Sharks, will wear the No.7 jersey while former Olympian Lachie Miller is set to line up at fullback.
