Veteran journalist Phil Rothfield has declared the Knights are “in a world of pain” heading into the 2026 season.
Reports emerged on Monday that Roosters star Sandon Smith had reportedly agreed too a four-year deal with newcastle beginning in 2026.
Smith is expected to play hooker for the Knights in a new-look spine that will also include Dylan Brown from the Eels, who will join newcastle on a mammoth 10-year deal worth $13 million.
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NRL Debate: Is Reece Walsh Already a Better Fullback Than Kalyn Ponga?
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A debate has ignited in the NRL world regarding the comparative skills of fullbacks Reece Walsh and Kalyn Ponga, with some suggesting Walsh has already surpassed Ponga as the league’s premier player in the position. The discussion arose during a segment on foxsports.com.au, fueled by Walsh’s impressive performances and Ponga’s inconsistent form throughout the 2025 season.https://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/news/reece-walsh-addresses-toilet-water-saga-kalyn-ponga-nrl-2025-09-08/news-story/99999999999999999999999999999999
Walsh’s Rise and Ponga’s Struggles
The conversation was sparked by a discussion surrounding Walsh’s recent form and a lighthearted incident involving him. However, it quickly shifted to a broader comparison of the two fullbacks. reporter Brent Read noted Ponga’s absence for a portion of the 2025 season, with the Knights star only appearing in 13 games.
“They didn’t have Kalyn for half the year.He’s their best player,” Read pointed out.
However, Rothfield was critical of Ponga’s performance even when he was on the field. “Did you see them playing when he was on the field this year?” Rothfield asked. “He was poor.”
Read offered a more charitable assessment, suggesting Ponga was simply out of form. “He was down on form but he’ll be better next year.”
The Case for Reece Walsh
Walsh has quickly established himself as a dynamic and exciting player for the Brisbane Broncos. His speed, agility, and game-breaking ability have made him a fan favorite and a key component of his team’s attack. While specific statistics comparing the two players for the 2025 season weren’t provided in the source,Walsh’s impact is widely recognized.
the Importance of consistency
Ponga, while undeniably talented, has faced challenges with consistency and injuries throughout his career. His ability to stay on the field and maintain peak performance will be crucial for the Knights and for his standing in the league. The 2025 season, were he missed a important number of games, highlights this concern.
Looking Ahead
The debate over walsh and Ponga is likely to continue as both players progress in their careers. The 2026 season will be pivotal for both, as they aim to lead their respective teams to success and solidify their positions as the best fullbacks in the NRL.