Parker: Can Ponga have a Walsh-like influence in GF?

As Kalyn Ponga seeks to etch his name into Newcastle Knights’ history, Corey Parker believes the fullback is operating at a level above his Dally M form from 2023.

Under a new environment with coach Justin Holbrook for 2026, Ponga has enjoyed a superb year in red and blue as the club went from wooden spooners to making the Grand Final from seventh place.

Having had better luck on an injury front, the Queensland representative managed to play 18 games, amassing 15 line breaks, 14 try assists and five tries whilst averaging 167 run metres per game.

With Newcastle riding the wave of momentum akin to Brisbane with Reece Walsh last year, the Broncos legend believes Ponga’s form could be the X-Factor for the Knights.

“Absolutely without a hesitation of a doubt,” Parker told SENQ Breakfast.

“KP has the ability to, and if you've watched him, I think Kalyn Ponga is in better form now than what he was when he won the Dally M (in 2023).

“I think his game is on a completely different level.

“The defensive structures of the Sydney Roosters is certainly going to limit what KP is able to do from time to time.

“But if they can swing the ball around like they do, they've scored 35 tries from outside of 50. So outside of their halfway line, they've scored 35 tries.

“That's not normal. They're the best in the competition at scoring long-range tries, and we saw on the weekend.

“They come out at halftime against the Penrith Panthers. They come out at halftime and went whack, straight out to the left-hand side.

“Bradman Best broke a tackle back on the inside, and they scored a try, and they've done that time on time on time.

“(Ponga’s) ability to move across the field and split defenders, à la Reece Walsh last year and his strength through his hips, he has been very, very good.”

Ponga will hope to become Newcastle’s third premiership captain when the Knights face off against the Roosters on Sunday night at Accor Stadium.

SEN League will have live coverage of the clash and the NRLW Grand Final across our radio network and on the SEN app from 12pm AEDT with Crunch Time NRL.

Kick-off for the NRL Grand Final takes place at 7:30pm.