Ponga must decide by Round 12 whether to trigger an option in his favour at the Knights for the 2023 season.
The 23-year-old has been linked with a move to Wayne Bennett’s Dolphins where he could become the highest-paid player in the game earning close to $1.5 million per season.
Ponga hasn’t made a decision and told foxsports.com.au his focus for now is on honing his craft under Johns.
The NRL immortal has returned to Newcastle in a coaching capacity, 15 years after finishing his illustrious career at the club.