As of December 27, 2024, there have been no official announcements or credible reports indicating that the Newcastle Knights are offering new contracts to Kalyn Ponga and Jayden Brailey totaling $120 million. Such a figure would be unprecedented in the National Rugby League (NRL), given the current salary cap constraints and typical player salary structures.
Kalyn Ponga, the Knights’ captain and star fullback, is currently under contract with the club until at least the end of the 2027 season. He secured this extension in April 2022, reaffirming his commitment to the team.
Ponga’s contract is reportedly valued at approximately $1.4 million per season, making him one of the highest-paid players in the NRL. This substantial investment reflects his pivotal role within the team and his status as a marquee player in the league.
Jayden Brailey, serving as the Knights’ hooker, extended his contract with the club in September 2021, securing his position until the end of the 2025 season. Brailey has faced injury challenges in recent seasons but remains a key component of the Knights’ roster.
In August 2024, Brailey addressed rumors regarding his future with the club, expressing surprise at speculation about potential offloading but acknowledging the business nature of professional sports. He emphasized his focus on delivering strong performances for the team.
The NRL operates under a salary cap system designed to ensure competitive balance among teams. For the 2024 season, the salary cap was set at $12.1 million for the top 30 players on each roster. Allocating $120 million to two players over any period would far exceed the total salary cap, making such contracts implausible under current league regulations.
While both Kalyn Ponga and Jayden Brailey are integral to the Newcastle Knights’ lineup, there is no substantiated information supporting the claim of new contracts worth $120 million being offered to them. Their existing contracts reflect their value to the team, and any future negotiations would need to align with the NRL’s salary cap framework.