The club's star player was unveiled as the NRL skipper before his side's trial against the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs on Monday night.

"Kalyn has always been an influential part of our club," Knights coach Adam O'Brien said.

"From day one in this pre-season, Kalyn has led with his actions both on and off the field.

"He is unique in that he possesses both a sense of calm and a fierce will to compete and to win.

"This is a huge honour and we all agree the time is right for Kalyn to be appointed as captain of the Newcastle Knights."

The announcement ends weeks of speculation that Ponga would lead the Knights this season.

He had been endorsed by club legends Andrew Johns and Kurt Gidley to take on the role, and had the backing of teammates.

Ponga, who turns 24 next month, becomes captain after playing just 83 NRL games and in his fifth season with the Knights.

He expressed interest in the captaincy last week, revealing he had long been considering whether to put his hand up for the role.

"I've thought about it now over the last couple of years, it's a massive honour and privilege," Ponga said.

"It's something I've been thinking about a lot more.

"To lead this group of men out and lead them as captain would be awesome."

READ MORE: Why Adam O'Brien isn't coaching the Knights against the Bulldogs

Injured hooker and 2021 co-captain Jayden Brailey has become club captain.

O'Brien said it was an ideal role for 25-year-old Brailey, comparing him to two-time premiership winner Bill Peden.

"Jayden plays a huge role for the Knights, not just on game day or just in the NRL," O'Brien said.

"Anyone who knows Brails understands his character and the respect he has earnt amongst his team mates, in the community and across the NRL.

"When he returns to the field, he will join Kalyn for on-field responsibilities, playing a similar role to what Billy Peden did for Andrew Johns throughout their careers.

"He relates to everyone, and is the perfect person to represent the club."

Hooker Chris Randall said last week the captaincy would be "perfect" for Ponga

"He shows plenty of leadership qualities; the way he plays, how tough he is, everyone listens to him when he speaks," Randall said.

"Once he crosses the training paddock and gets on the field, he switches his head right on. He is a leader."

Newcastle's longest-serving skipper Kurt Gidley, who took the captaincy on at a similar stage of his career, said recently he believed Ponga had earned the role.

MORE SPORT: Surprise date for Newcastle's Supercars round set to be locked in

"He understands what the culture of Newcastle is about, his family have embedded themselves here, he is always very polite and comes up to all the old boys - I think he has embedded himself in the Newcastle way," Gidley said.

The captaincy announcement should quell some of the talk that Ponga might be poached by the Wayne Bennett-coached Dolphins.

Ponga has said his primary focus is on winning a premiership with the Knights.

"I'm locked in. I'm dedicated to winning a comp here," Ponga told the Sydney Morning Herald last week.

Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can continue to access our trusted content: