- The NRL is investigating a deal involving Kalyn Ponga
- His father claims he is missing a six-figure sum
- The Knights protested their innocence in a statement
An investigation has reportedly been launched following claims that the Newcastle Knights breached salary cap rules in their deal for superstar full-back Kalyn Ponga.
According to the Sydney Morning Heraldthe NRL met with officials from the Knights and Ponga’s father, Andre, late last week to discuss the matter.
Concerns about possible third-party involvement were raised by Andre, who claims his son is owed a six-figure sum from a registered third-party agreement signed by the league four years ago.
The report states that ‘new information has since come to light that casts doubt on whether the deal was within arm’s length of the club’.
There is no evidence that Ponga Sr’s claim is true, only that it was made.
The NRL has launched an investigation into possible salary cap breaches from Newcastle
Ponga’s father Andre (right) claims his son is owed a six-figure sum by a third party
In a statement, the Knights said: ‘All third parties are registered with the NRL. There is no issue with Kalyn Ponga’s contract and anything related to third parties should be resolved by the player and his agent.”
The club could pay the full-back the alleged missing money, but that will then be added to the club’s salary cap.
Ponga will receive about $1.4 million per year after signing a lucrative extension two years ago after being linked to the Dolphins. His contract expires in 2027.
NRL rules state that the league’s salary cap auditor has the power to retroactively include deals below a club’s cap in the event that new information comes to light.
This became clear in 2018 when Manly was fined $750,000 for breaches committed between 2013 and 2017.
The breaches, which involved 15 players and a total of $1.5 million in undisclosed third-party deals, saw the Sea Eagles penalized.