Kalyn Ponga is about to become the richest teenager in NRL history

The Newcastle Knights have gone all in in their efforts to secure Cowboys sensation Kalyn Ponga, offering a five-year deal worth $3 million dollars.

According to The Courier Mail, the NRL got involved in negotiations for the talented 18-year-old once it became apparent that the AFL’s Brisbane Lions joined the race for the two-game NRL veteran, alongside five other NRL clubs.

Clearly, NRL HQ isn’t keen on letting another potential superstar depart for a rival code.

Although the Cowboys will have money to spend with the departure of James Tamou and the sudden retirement of Ben Hannant, they couldn’t match the Knights’ mammoth offer.

Ponga is off contract at the end of 2017, but could secure an early release if the Cowboys can plug the gap left by their departing props.

While $600k for a player who has only played two NRL games seems high, it could be a steal for Steel City if Ponga fulfils his potential.

Knights general manager of football Darren Mooney has form in the recruitment area as well – he’s been credited with the recruiting strategy which delivered a premiership the Cronulla this year.

The Knights, back-to-back winners of the spoon, were always going to pay overs to secure their man.

For the Knights sake, let’s hope he’s not the next Karl Filiga.