Newcastle Knights face worrying Kalyn Ponga problem as $13m Dylan Brown domino falls

Newcastle appear to have signed Eels five-eighth Dylan Brown but the mega $13 million deal has prompted concerns around the long-term future of the Knights and Kalyn Ponga. On Monday, reports claimed Brown told his Parramatta Eels teammates he would be joining the Knights on a 10-year deal, worth $13 million in 2026. The biggest deal in NRL history has rocked the sport with the a number of NRL greats questioning the timing of Brown's call and how it will impact Jason Ryles and the Eels. And Roosters great Bryan Fletcher and former cross-code star Mat Rogers also suggested the move could be a worrying sign for Knights fans with Ponga's future up in the air. Fletcher has suggested in the past Ponga's future at the club could be up-in-the-air with rival teams currently sitting on war-chests within the salary cap. And Ponga has been recently linked with the Roosters. James Tedesco is 32 years old and could be in for a long year as captain of the club after they were thrashed by the Broncos in the opening round. Ponga's deal finishes with the Knights in 2027. Many deem this a perfect cross-over for the Roosters to make a huge play at the fullback. However, the Knights may have used Brown as a bargaining chip to keep Ponga at the club. Bringing in a proven playmaker could persuade Ponga to stay at the Knights with arguably the game's best fullback already declaring his desire to win a NRL premiership. Despite his loyalty to the Knights, there is speculation Ponga is keen for a switch to rugby union. And after finding out Brown had reportedly signed for the Knights, Roosters great Fletcher quickly questioned how the Knights can afford to keep both Ponga and Brown. "How are they affording this, how are the Knights affording this with Kalyn? That is nearly $3 million out of the cap," Fletcher said on SEN Radio. While Fletcher was shocked at the news, Rogers was more critical. Speaking out of Queensland on SEN Radio, Rogers questioned what this meant for Ponga and if he was out the door in 2027. "This could throw Newcastle into 10 years of turmoil, or it could change things," Rogers said. "There is talk about Kalyn Ponga potentially going to be an All Black. Does this decision lock in Ponga?" Rogers asked.