Kalyn Ponga’s mum leaves him in stitches with brutal response to Dally M question as Newcastle Knights star hits the red carpet

Kalyn Ponga’s mum could not be prouder of her son as the pair hit the red carpet for the Dally M 2023 awards on Wednesday night.

But she was brutally realistic about the Newcastle Knights star’s chances of taking the top prize in Sydney. 

Ponga brought his mother, Adine, onto the red carpet for the glamorous ceremony in Sydney, as the NRL and NRLW celebrated another enthralling season of footy.

The star fullback helped guide the Knights to a remarkable run at the end of the year, taking his side to the finals in their strongest campaign in years.

Reflecting on the 2023 season, Ponga said: ‘It was pretty special. It’s something that we want to replicate next year. 

Ponga is a chance of winning the prestigious prize at Wednesday night’s awards ceremony

‘I’ve been at the club for five years now and it is something I have never experienced before. It is something that the town wants and needs. As a playing group, we know that and we want to do it again. 

‘Definitely proud. Proud of the team, Proud of what the team achieved at the back end. We want to go further, we are definitely happy.’

The interviewer then turned to Adine, asking: ‘Do you think he’s a chance of winning tonight? Hopeful?’

‘Ooo,’ she replied before looking at her son, shaking his head. ‘No. I’ll be proud no matter what.’ 

Warriors star Shaun Johnson and Broncos powerhouse Payne Haas are among the leading contenders to win the prize this year.