A family member of Newcastle Knights young gun Connor Votano has insisted he’s committed to the NRL club despite fears Kalyn Ponga’s presence could force him to look elsewhere. Votano is a highly-rated fullback who played for NSW in the Under-19s State of Origin fixture in 2024.But he’s stuck behind Ponga and Fletcher Sharpe in the pecking order at the Knights, sparking speculation he could look to change clubs. Reports emerged late last year that the Bulldogs had enquired about Votano’s contract situation and are keen to lure the 18-year-old to Sydney.
But a family member took to social media this week, claiming Votano has declared “he’s a Knight for life” and that he “doesn’t know anything about” rival interest. The 18-year-old made four appearances in NSW Cup (reserve grade) in 2024 – three of which were in the No.1 jersey.
Votano won the Kurt Gidley Award for the Harold Matthews Cup (Under-16s) player of the year in 2023. He was recently promoted to Newcastle’s development list for 2025, but is currently without a contract past this season.
Kalyn Ponga linked to shock Sydney Roosters switch
Ponga is contracted until the end of 2027 on a deal worth $1.4 million per season, while Sharpe was a revelation in 2024 after making his first-grade debut. The 20-year-old Sharpe filled in admirably at fullback when Ponga was injured, and was so good he was retained in the NRL side on the wing when Ponga was back.
Sharpe would seemingly be next in line to take the No.1 jersey if Ponga ever decides to leave Newcastle, and rumours have been rife that the Roosters want Ponga desperately. The 32-year-old James Tedesco recently re-signed with the Roosters on a one-year deal and is taking his future on a season-by-season basis.
He’s declared he has no intention of retiring anytime soon, but could his spot be available in 2028 when Ponga will be a free agent? Speaking in November, former NRL player Denan Kemp said he believes the Ponga to Roosters links are more than just rumours.
Aside from signing hooker Reece Robson for 2026, the Roosters have been relatively quiet in the off-season. But Kemp said on SEN radio: “They are entering a new phase. I think there is going to be some mammoths signings. I can not see the Roosters going another 12 months without a big signing.
“This whole Mitchell Moses (at Parramatta) thing is a bit weird. I think Kalyn Ponga. I know the Newcastle Knights would never let him go, but there has just been some weird smoke around it…it’s just typical Roosters fashion. It’s been way to quiet for too long. They are the best at big signings.
“They are the best in the business at it and the same people that did those signings (like Cooper Cronk) over the last 20 years are still on the board. Something is brewing at the Roosters and I think it’s going to be monumental. It’s not just going to be one, it’s going to be multiple.”
Kalyn Ponga exit would be huge blow for Newcastle Knights
The Knights were recently rocked by news of Leo Thompson’s decision to sign with the Bulldogs, and the loss of Ponga (or even Votano) would be another big blow. Adam O’Brien’s side have made the finals in back-to-back seasons, but they’re so reliant on Ponga to go on epic runs of form at the end of the season to get them there.
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