Kalyn Ponga has been having the rugby league equivalent of a midlife crisis, and rival NRL clubs are well aware he has been questioning what he has achieved in the game and, more importantly, what he wants to achieve in his sporting career.

Teams have been briefed about his questioning and curious mind, which fits with the narrative that the Ponga camp engaged a New Zealand-based rugby union agent to explore options outside league despite being contracted to the Knights until the end of 2027.

His huge wage of $1.4 million a season is a stumbling block for rival NRL clubs, however. Clubs have been working out what they can do if he decides he wants out now, or even on November 1.

He declared on Thursday that he will see out the final two years of his deal in Newcastle, but questions remain.

Ponga and his family are wary of outsiders, but today we can provide an insight into the love his family has for him and how they operate in a way that few others do.

When he emerged as a schoolboy star, prospective agents were put through a rigorous test by his father and now career-long manager Andre. Kalyn also had a series of questions for any potential agent.

It’s a fascinating insight into the world of a superstar player and the investment that his family made in his sporting career. Andre wrote to the agents who had applied to look after his son’s career.

Kalyn and Andre Ponga show a public glimpse of their bond at a media conference in Newcastle in 2022 after Kalyn signed a monster contract extension.Credit: Getty Images

“We as a family are humbled by your interest in Kalyn, hence why we have openly taken our meetings and greetings with great thought and consideration,” Andre wrote. “I can honestly say that the past 8 years has been one of many trials and tribulation for our family with residing in different towns, cities, states, countries, but most notably the loss of (a son) Kalyn’s younger brother and the stroke of Adine (wife).

“It is because of these tribulations that we are........

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