Newcastle have tabled a contract extension to Kalyn Ponga which reportedly includes an option which could allow him to try his hand at rugby union in the next World Cup year.
The Knights have offered to upgrade his current deal for 2021 until the end of the 2023 but the 21-year-old star would have an option to leave in the final year of the deal if he wanted to pursue his childhood dream of representing the All Blacks, according to a Sydney Morning Herald report.
Newcastle are keen to re-sign the Maori All Stars fullback, who has also represented Queensland four times in the State of Origin arena, but are wary of the rugby threat.
“We've told the Ponga family we'd like KP to extend his time with us,” Knights CEO Phil Gardner told the SMH.
“I'd be really surprised if the All Blacks weren't talking to him now, that's the kind of talent we are talking about here.”
The next Rugby World Cup will be held in France in September and October in 2023.