Andrew Johns in huge $1.4 million Kalyn Ponga call as Mal Meninga faces Kangaroos decision

Newcastle Knights legend Andrew Johns has granted current fullback Kalyn Ponga the highest praise after his performance against the Cowboys as Kangaroos coach Mal Meninga hinted at a selection dilemma. Ponga was sublime for a losing team last weekend as the Knights were eliminated from the NRL finals after a thrilling 28-16 loss to the Cowboys.

While the Knights were eliminated, Ponga showed his importance to the team having carved open the Cowboys time and time again in an extraordinary display. To make the NRL finals footy, the Knights heavily relied on Ponga to ignite their attack as they made an unlikely run in to 8th place to make finals footy.

Ponga may have produced two linebreaks, two try assists, seven tackle breaks and ran for 188 metres from 19 carries against the Cowboys, but it wasn't enough. Despite the loss, both Johns and Meninga have lauded Ponga's efforts as Kangaroos selection nears.

Legendary fullback Billy Slater claimed Ponga needed more help at the Knights if they want to challenge for the premiership. And while he might be right, Johns believes the $1.4 million superstar is simply the club's greatest ever signing and has justified his price tag.

This is a huge call for the Knights legend who has often praised hard-running forward Ben Kennedy as one of the club's greatest ever players. “I didn’t think I would ever say this, but I think he has gone past Ben Kennedy as Newcastle’s greatest signing,” Johns told The Daily Telegraph.

Fans could argue Kennedy is still Newcastle's greatest ever signing having helped lead the club to the 2001 premiership. Ponga has not won an NRL title with the Knights yet, but the club are working on freeing up salary cap space to support the superstar fullback on the endeavour.

Mal Meninga remains coy on Kalyn Ponga debut

Kangaroos coach Meninga also couldn't help but praise Ponga. Meninga has previously admitted he is tossing up whether James Tedesco will retain his No.1 jersey having been dropped from the Blues team. Dylan Edwards made his State of Origin debut and was sensational for the Blues as they won the series.

After losing to New Zealand in the Pacific Test Championship final, Meninga hinted he could be looking to the future with his selections. And while Edwards and Tedesco appeared to be the favourites heading into season finale, Ponga has shown on his day there is arguably no better player in the NRL.

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On Thursday, Meninga was asked what more Ponga could do to earn his debut in the No.1 jersey for the Kangaroos against Tonga and New Zealand. And while Meninga stopped short of singling out Ponga, he admitted he was taken aback at his performance.

"Absolutely spectacular. He stood out in that team environment," Meninga said on SEN Radio. However, he also shared praise for the other contenders as he remains coy on who will be selected. "But so was Dylan Edwards. And I thought James Tedesco was the Roosters' best player."

Meninga recently said on Fox Sports that he is weighing-up a number of positions in the team heading into a busy international schedule. “You look at the Australian team… we’re full of leaders in the club situation," he said.

"We’ve got leaders from every club playing for our country and a lot of leaders play for other countries. There’s a huge amount to pick from and if Teddy’s not in the team we’ve got to pick a new captain and I think (if we pick) the new captain we’ve got to look to the future. We’ve got the World Cup here in 2026, we’ve got the English coming down next year.”