Footy star reveals devastating toll of family tragedy after his younger brother drowned aged just 18 months old

Kalyn Ponga talks about the family tragedy that created an unbreakable bond between his loved ones.

Dally M winner Ponga, 26, broke through as a promising teenage prodigy at North Queensland before moving to Newcastle Knights in 2018.

However, not everything went smoothly for the Queenslander, with a series of concussions and the loss of his younger brother having a major impact.

Ponga lost his younger brother Kacey to a drowning accident when his brother was only 18 months old.

Speaking to Nine, Ponga opened up about the toll the loss of his parents Andre and Ardine, as well as his sister Kayley, has taken.

“I was about seven,” Ponga said.

‘I knew what was going on, but I didn’t know how deeply it had affected my father and mother, or what they had had to endure or had been through.

‘I was seven, I knew what was happening, but I didn’t fully understand it yet.

‘It is of course very sad what happened and we would of course like to have him back, but it is also the reason why the family is so close.’

Ponga has a close bond with his father André, who has supported and guided him throughout his career.

André thrust himself into the spotlight when Ponga negotiated his contract extension with the Knights in 2022. Ponga believes his father’s involvement in his career has been beneficial to the family.

“We’ve moved a lot during my football career so far,” he said.

“Of course I’m here for the next three or four years and after that contract I’ll go on my own. It’s a lot to do with the family and what’s best for the family and my sister.

“This decision to come to Newcastle and play for the Knights is one of the best.”