Despite worries that Kalyn Ponga’s presence would make him seek elsewhere, a family member of Newcastle Knights promising talent Connor Votano has affirmed his commitment to the NRL team. A highly regarded fullback, Votano represented NSW in the 2024 Under-19s State of Origin match.
However, he is ranked lower than Ponga and Fletcher Sharpe at the Knights, which has led to rumors that he would try to switch teams. Late last year, there were rumors that the Bulldogs were interested in luring the 18-year-old to Sydney and had asked about Votano’s contract status.
Votano has stated that “he’s a Knight for life” and that he “doesn’t know anything about” competitor interest, according to a family member who took to social media. Three of the 18-year-old’s four NSW Cup (reserve grade) appearances in 2024 came while wearing the No. 1 jersey.
In 2023, Votano was named the Harold Matthews Cup (Under-16s) player of the year, earning him the Kurt Gidley Award. Although he was just added on Newcastle’s 2025 development list, he does not yet have a contract that extends past this season.
Ponga has a contract worth $1.4 million per season through the end of 2027, and Sharpe made his first-grade debut in 2024 and was a revelation. When Ponga was sidelined, the 20-year-old Sharpe performed excellently at fullback. When Ponga returned, he was so good that he was kept on the flank of the NRL team.
If Ponga ever decides to leave Newcastle, Sharpe would presumably be the next in line to wear the No. 1 jersey, and there have been many rumors that the Roosters are anxious to sign Ponga. James Tedesco, 32, recently re-signed with the Roosters for a one-year contract, and he is evaluating his future season by season.
Although he has stated that he has no plans to retire anytime soon, his seat might become vacant in 2028 when Ponga becomes a free agent. Denan Kemp, a former NRL player, stated in November that he thinks the Ponga to Roosters connections are more than simply rumors.
The only off-season activity the Roosters have had is the signing of hooker Reece Robson for 2026. On SEN radio, however, Kemp stated: “They are going into a new stage. I believe that some mammoths will be signing. I don’t think the Roosters will be able to make a significant acquisition for another 12 months. 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.
Leo Thompson’s decision to join with the Bulldogs recently shocked the Knights, and losing Ponga—or even Votano—would be a major setback. Adam O’Brien’s team has advanced to the championships in consecutive years, but they depend heavily on Ponga’s spectacular late-season performances to get them there.The same individuals who made those signings over the past 20 years, including Cooper Cronk, are still on the board, and they are the best at what they do. I believe that something significant is about to happen at the Roosters. There won’t be just one; there will be several.