BREAKING: Kalyn Ponga has long been linked to the Sydney Roosters as a replacement for James Tedesco when he retires..

Kalyn Ponga’s name continues to surface as one of the most intriguing long-term targets for the Sydney Roosters, with growing speculation linking the Newcastle Knights superstar to the Tricolours as a future replacement for club legend James Tedesco.

As Tedesco enters the later stages of a decorated NRL career, attention has increasingly turned to how the Roosters will eventually fill one of the most important jerseys in rugby league. Across league circles, Ponga is widely viewed as one of the few players with the elite skill set, star power, and big-game influence capable of stepping into that role.

The Roosters’ interest is hardly surprising. The club has a strong history of succession planning and marquee recruitment, rarely leaving key positions to chance. From Roger Tuivasa-Sheck to James Tedesco, Sydney has consistently ensured its fullback position is held by a game-breaker, and Ponga’s speed, creativity, and attacking instincts make him a natural fit for that lineage.

NRL insiders point to multiple factors fueling the ongoing links. Ponga’s contract timelines, the Roosters’ salary-cap planning, and the inevitability of planning for life after Tedesco have all combined to keep the speculation alive. While no official approach has been confirmed, the connection has been regularly discussed by analysts and rival clubs alike.

From Newcastle’s perspective, the Knights have repeatedly made it clear that Ponga remains central to their future. The club sees him not only as their premier on-field weapon, but as a leader and the face of their long-term rebuild. Ponga himself has consistently reaffirmed his commitment to the Knights whenever asked publicly about rival interest.

Despite those assurances, league observers note that major clubs often plan years ahead, and conversations don’t always become public until much later. Until the Roosters formally announce a post-Tedesco era plan, speculation surrounding Ponga is expected to persist.

For now, James Tedesco remains firmly entrenched as the Roosters’ fullback, and Kalyn Ponga continues to lead the Knights. But in a league defined by forward planning and blockbuster moves, the idea of Ponga one day wearing the Tricolours remains one of the most talked-about hypotheticals in the NRL.

Whether the link ever becomes reality or remains a “what if,” one thing is clear: Kalyn Ponga’s name will continue to be mentioned whenever the conversation turns to the future of the Roosters’ No.1 jersey.