Arguably the game's biggest young star, Ponga remains contracted to the Knights until the end of 2021 on a deal rumoured to be worth around $600,000 a season.

Considered one of the game's biggest risks when he signed as a teenager, the Knights now appear to have scored a bargain with Ponga.

Reports emerged this week that Ponga's management have approached the Knights on a new four-year deal, worth $1.5 million a year, according to Fox Sports.

Sport: Newcastle Knights

But while Brown said the club were in a position to begin negotiations with Ponga if required, he insisted the fullback had no issue with his current deal.

"Unlike some players these days Kalyn hasn't complained about how much money he is being paid or anything like that," Brown said.

"He's quite comfortable. He's signed a contract he is very happy with nearly two years ago now.

"He's not out there demanding ludicrous amounts of money. He is happy at the club and he certainly will be for the next few years.

"They are happy with what he is getting paid and they are happy to ride his contract out. If they are happy to extend the club is happy to do that.

"The club has always been pretty open about that and said that when Kalyn and his dad are ready to extend his contract the club is more than ready to do that."

Ponga's future has long been a topic of discussion.

The 21-year-old played rugby union as a youngster and has previously expressed a desire to represent the All Blacks.

Ponga is by far and away the Knights' biggest star and has the potential to be the game's highest-profile name for the next decade.

But a deal worth a record $6 million over four years would take up 15 per cent of Newcastle's salary cap, prompting questions over whether any player was worth such value.

Brown stays out of financial negotiations and wouldn't confirm the $1.5-million per year figure, but indicated he had no issue with a player salary rising that high.

"A player is worth what he is going to get paid," he said.

"The ones who are very influential on teams and help you get across the line are worth whatever a club is willing to pay them.

"Sport today, back in my day people followed teams. Now young kids follow players. Kalyn is a guy that kids follow."

While you're with us, did you know Newcastle Herald offers breaking news alerts, daily email newsletters and more? Keep up to date with all the local news - sign up here.

IN NEWS TODAY: