Still a teenager, dynamic outside back Kalyn Ponga made a splash at the end of 2016 when Paul Green sensationally handed him his NRL debut in Week 2 of the finals against Brisbane.
He played the following week against the Sharks and then started 2017 back in the under-20s competition.
But an early calf injury to incumbent fullback Lachlan Coote handed Ponga a swag of early-season games, in which he showcased his talent and potential with a string of exciting performances, including a two-try turn against the Knights in Round 8.
Once Coote returned, Ponga would go back to the National Youth Competition, returning for one more late-season game.
2017 STATS:
Played: 7
Tries: 3
Average run metres: 126
Line breaks: 10
Tackle breaks: 38
Off the field: Will play for the Newcastle Knights in 2018.
