As of February 26, 2025, there have been no official announcements regarding Kalyn Ponga replacing James Tedesco at the Sydney Roosters. Both players are currently contracted to their respective clubs, with Ponga serving as a pivotal player for the Newcastle Knights and Tedesco continuing his role as captain and fullback for the Roosters.
Historically, Ponga has been linked to the Roosters. In 2014, as a 15-year-old prodigy, he was heavily recruited by several clubs, including the Roosters, before ultimately signing with the North Queensland Cowboys and later moving to the Knights in 2017.
In recent seasons, Ponga has demonstrated his commitment to the Knights. Notably, in October 2024, he chose to forgo representing Australia in the Pacific Championships to focus on Newcastle’s premiership aspirations. This decision underscored his dedication to the club’s success.
The Roosters, on the other hand, have faced challenges with injuries and player departures. Despite these setbacks, Tedesco remains a central figure in their lineup. While player movements are common in the NRL, any speculation about Ponga replacing Tedesco at the Roosters remains unsubstantiated at this time.
In summary, while both Ponga and Tedesco are elite fullbacks in the NRL, there is currently no concrete evidence to suggest a transfer of Ponga to the Sydney Roosters to replace Tedesco. Both players continue to be integral to their respective teams as the 2025 NRL season progresses.
