Footy player slammed for photo of backflip into pool

Newcastle Knights recruit Kalyn Ponga has performed a stunning backflip – but thankfully for supporters it wasn’t on his multi-million dollar contract.

The blossoming rugby league superstar posted an image on Instagram Monday of the impressive leap from the roof of his house into the backya$3.6rd pool.

The response to the photo was mixed, with some dismissing it as typical teenage behaviour but many other fans with their hearts in their mouths at the potential injuries caused by the dangerous act.

The blossoming rugby league superstar posted an image to Instagram of the impressive leap from the roof of his house into the backyard pool

Ponga last year signed a massive $3.6 million deal with Newcastle at just 19-years-old despite having only two first grade games under his belt.

The contract made him the richest teenager in the game’s history.

His price tag has increased pressure on the young fullback to lift the fledgling club, which hasn’t won a premiership since the Andrew Johns-led team in 2001, back to glory.

The Instagram post, which has been liked more than 7,000 times, has been the topic of intense scrutiny from fans and the media.

Ponga last year signed a massive $3.6 million deal with Newcastle from North Queensland at just 19-years-old despite having only two first grade games under his belt

‘Good to see you enjoying yourself Kalyn but you need to remember your committed to the knights so you need to tone down the acrobatics,’ one fan commented.

‘Coach brown will be a stoked to see this pic,’ another said of Knights boss Nathan Brown.

‘Next minute out for the season,’ an Instagram user added.

Some fans however did stick up for the 19-year-old, with one adding players deserve the right to ‘live there life outside of footy’.

Daily Mail Australia has contacted the Newcastle Knights for comment.