Kalyn Ponga has applauded Newcastle Knight's coach Nathan Brown for his effective recruitment over the past twelve months, exceeding his initial expectations.
The 19-year old prodigy admitted that he feared that his new club won't attract any high-profile players, his fears were short-lived.
During the mid-season period, veteran Aiden Guerra signed a deal with the Knights - followed by Connor Watson, and Brisbane pair Tautau Moga and Herman Ese'ese.
When Dane Gagai agreed to join Souths, a nervous Ponga knew that the Knights needed to recruit a player who can fill the talented boots of Gagai. After Jack Bird knocked back a deal, Ponga lost hope.
"I’m not going to lie, I was nervous," Ponga told NRL.com.
"But I knew my signing was early and was confident in who they would sign after [that].
"That was the tough thing, they wanted to get a big name early like a Jack Bird. If they got him a lot of players would have followed but in saying that they’ve done well.
"Connor (Watson) will be a good running half, Tau (Moga) in the centres is a familiar face for me, and a couple of experienced forwards."
Born in the West Australian town of Port Hedland, Ponga is no stranger to switching locations. He expects himself having no trouble settling in at new surrounds.
"It’s a big move for all of us, not only for me but my family," he said.
"It’s a bit like Townsville, everything is close. We are all looking forward to it."
Ponga insists that his development as a player hasn't slowed down, despite announcing his departure earlier in the season whilst contracted for the North Queensland Cowboys.
It's no secret that Ponga was on the outer with coach Paul Green after he opted to choose Javid Bowen and flyer Gideon Gela-Mosby, as his first choice outside-backs, limiting the talented fullback to only seven games.
He denied that they were any hard feelings against Green, rather he admired his perseverance under a great deal of adversity.
"He’s had a tough year," Ponga said.
"It’s been pretty full-on for him and I think he did exceptionally well.
"Being around camp and watching the boys prepare and hold themselves against a lot of adversity – it was a great learning experience.
"Even when Johnno (Johnathan Thurston) and Matt Scott got injured I still felt I had the experienced leaders in the side I could look up to and learn off."
Winning a spot in the under 20's Holden Cup Team of the Year, Ponga most importantly declared that he enjoyed his footy, despite minor off-field distractions.
"I hope [I have improved], it’s hard to measure whether I have but I enjoyed my footy this year and that was the most important thing," Ponga said.
"If I can take that enjoyment into next year it will go a long way."
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