Kalyn Ponga discussion

[Treadly]

One thing that's been so impressive to me is - and we can pretend otherwise, but I'm sure it's a thing - is that last year he won the wooden spoon and the guy who's his biggest rival, the guy he has to compete with for that Queensland #1 jersey, won a premiership and a Clive Churchill Medal with what can only be described as some of the most absurd heroball I've ever seen. Reece Walsh 2025 grand final is the best game of footy I've ever seen a single player have.

Kalyn's always been a great highlight reel player and I'm sure if he wanted to chase the footy around and try to get as many try assists as he could, I'm sure he could. And there would be some temptation to try to go out there and snatch the "best individual player in the game" belt.

Instead, he's improved out of sight at everything *except* his own individual attack. This is the fewest wild cut out passes he's thrown in a season, the fewest early set speculative short kicks. The most he's done to just get teammates into good positions and let them shine. The most he's gotten around his teammates and pushed them to be better. The smartest footy he's played. His contribution is transcending his own individual brilliance.

True coming of age.

This is why I dont get people saying he had a quiet game in the rabbitos game. Same with alot of this year, he is definitely playing the team game vs the "gotta get the ball to ponga or the Knights have nothing" that we have heard for a fair few years.

This comes down to the coach and the great recruiting too. So many more weapons in our team now.

 

[Apey]

This is why I dont get people saying he had a quiet game in the rabbitos game. Same with alot of this year, he is definitely playing the team game vs the "gotta get the ball to ponga or the Knights have nothing" that we have heard for a fair few years.

This comes down to the coach and the great recruiting too. So many more weapons in our team now.

Anyone who said he had a quiet game against the Rabbitohs wasn't watching. I think they expect a lot of obvious individual brilliance, but ignore the fact he had a touch in both our tries through the hands, and that's never a coincidence.

 

[Tobe Fair]

Ponga impressed me with his middle defence. He was up in the 2nd line taking down forwards more than once. His defence was a stand-out for me. His great attacking ability just makes me smile everytime he brakes the line but those tackles were fantastic.

 

[Newygirl]

Yeah KP actually made some big tackles and he was putting himself everywhere. I don’t think he gets enough credit for the amount of bombs he takes well under massive pressure

 

[fitzyfever]

Come a long way since strawberry milkshake. I think the way he committed to the club earlier in the year, with absolutely no media leaks from within was an indication of his growth, commitment to club and unity within this group.

Many on here, myself included doubted he was the right choice as captain but watching his development as a leader this year has removed any doubt - he is the guy.

The 19 year old wonder kid we banked it all on at our clubs lowest point has now not only changed the club with his individual brilliance but is two wins away from leading us to the ultimate.

The greatest signing in our history and hopefully, within only a few weeks, is our next premiership captain. Kudos KP.