Madison Air Flo Headguard worn by NRL Newcastle Knights star Kalyn Ponga

Headguards by Madison Sports worn by Kalyn Ponga

Kalyn Ponga 

Kalyn Ponga is a 23-year-old is a professional rugby league player who plays fullback for the Newcastle Knights. Kalyn was born in Port Hedland, WA but frequently moved around with his family during his younger years. At 8 years old, he moved with his family to Palmerston North, New Zealand. Here in New Zealand his love for being on the field grew, getting involved with a range of sports including rugby league, rugby union, soccer, hockey, touch football and even golf.

In 2011, at 13, Kalyn Ponga and his family moved back to Australia and settled in Mackay, Queensland. While attending Mackay State High School his love for rugby grew and he knew he wanted to pursue a career in the sport. He immediately became a member of the Rugby League Academy program, appearing on the field as a player for Souths Mackay in the junior rugby league. The following year, at the young age of 14, Kalyn was one of the main picks for the Australian Schoolboys under-15's team. This made him the second 14-year-old player to ever make it on to the team. Late in the same year, he also earned a scholarship with the Brisbane Broncos and moved to Brisbane in 2013. 

2013 proved to be a busy year in sports for Kalyn Ponga. After moving to Brisbane he attended Anglican Church Grammar competing for their rugby union side in the prestigious GPS competition while he was also playing rugby league for the East Tigers in the Cyril Connell Cup. In the same year, he made the Australian Schoolboys under-15's side for the second consecutive year. After being spotted as an outstanding prospect during a rugby league match, he began playing Australian Rules football and was placed in the Brisbane Lions Talent Academy. In December 2013, then 15-year-old, Ponga signed a four-year contract with the North Queensland Cowboys. He was pursued by six professional clubs from across three different sports, turning down the Broncos, Melbourne Storm, Sydney Roosters, Queensland Reds and Brisbane Lions to sign with the Townsville-based NRL club. He made his NRL debut for the North Queensland Cowboys in 2016 and played nine games with the side across two seasons.

With Kalyn Ponga's contract with the North Queensland Cowboys ending at the end of 2017,  rumors started spreading about Kalyn signing a 4 year contract with the Newcastle Knights starting in 2018. This was later confirmed by North Queensland's head coach Paul Green. Kalyn Ponga made his debut with the Newcastle Knights in round 1 of the 2018 season win against the Manly Sea Eagles, scoring a try and kicking three goals. Kalyn Ponga continues to show incredible skill and dedication to the sport and team as each season passes. But with his contract coming to the end with the Newcastle Knights in 2022, it's said that many eyes, including the Brisbane Broncos, will be on him in hopes of recruiting his unmatched skills onto their team. 

Little Rookie Sport I Kids Sports Store is proud to stock Madison Headguards for Junior NRL Kids.  Match your headguard to your school colours, club colours, Green & Gold Australian Colours, or just your favourite colour.

All Madison Headguards are Approved by the World Rugby.

Madison Air Flo Headguard worn by Kalyn Ponga, NRL Newcastle Knights Star

The Madison Air Flo Headguard worn by Kalyn Ponga is made with a lightweight compression moulded foam and including 42 ventilation holes, the Air Flo headguard provides unsurpassed comfort during the heat of action.  Also has a  fully adjustable back and velcro chin strap for optimal fit.