- Kalyn Ponga’s mother estimates her son’s chances at Dally M
- Ponga finished the season strongly for the Newcastle Knights
- He is an excellent chance to win the top prize in Sydney
Kalyn Ponga’s mother couldn’t have been more proud of her son as the pair hit the red carpet for the Dally M 2023 awards on Wednesday night.
But she was brutally realistic about the Newcastle Knights star’s chances of taking the top prize in Sydney.
Ponga brought his mother, Adine, to the red carpet for the glamorous ceremony in Sydney as the NRL and NRLW celebrated another exciting football season.
The star full-back helped the Knights to a remarkable run at the end of the year, taking his side to the finals in their strongest campaign in years.
Looking back on the 2023 season, Ponga said, “It was pretty special. It’s something we want to repeat next year.
Kalyn Ponga’s mother reacted cheekily when asked about her son’s Dally M chances
Ponga has a chance to win the prestigious prize during the awards ceremony on Wednesday evening
‘I’ve been at the club for five years now and it’s something I’ve never experienced before. It is something the city wants and needs. As a playing group we know that and we would like to do it again.
‘Absolutely proud. Proud of the team, Proud of what the team at the back has achieved. We want to move on, and we are certainly happy with that.’
The interviewer then turned to Adine and asked, “Do you think he has a chance of winning tonight?” Hopeful?’
“Ooo,” she replied before looking at her son, shaking her head. ‘No. I’ll be proud no matter what.’
Warriors star Shaun Johnson and Broncos power forward Payne Haas are among the top contenders to win the award this year.