Kalyn Ponga, superstar fullback at the Newcastle Knights.

2023 Dally M Medalist, a sporting prodigy who, at the age of 15 was being head hunted by six clubs across three different sports.

That story is the one most rugby league fans have heard of. This isn’t that story.

Kalyn Ponga, the proud Maori man, the big brother, the loyal friend the proud son

That’s who you’ll hear from in this episode.

Sitting in his lounge room, accompanied by his beloved Aussie Shepard, Sadie.

With an open heart, generosity and vulnerability, Kalyn tells me his story.

This episode was recorded on the lands of the Awabakal people, we pay our respects to their elders past and present and acknowledge their continued connection to that country. Always was, always will be Aboriginal land.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.