NEWCASTLE KNIGHTS NAME DYLAN BROWN AS 2026 CAPTAIN – MARQUEE RECRUIT STEPS UP AS KALYN PONGA REHABILITATES FOOT INJURY
Coach and CEO confirm appointment ahead of season launch, with Ponga remaining first-choice fullback as he works to regain fitness
In a landmark announcement for the club, Newcastle Knights coach and CEO have officially declared newly-signed marquee recruit Dylan Brown as the team’s captain for the upcoming 2026 NRL season. The decision comes as incumbent skipper Kalyn Ponga continues his rehabilitation from a lingering foot injury, though he remains the Knights’ first-choice fullback and is targeting a mid-season return to full fitness.
Ponga has endured a cautious off-season after scans conducted in late 2025 revealed bone bruising in his left foot – an issue stemming from a heavy collision during the club’s finals campaign last year. The 26-year-old played through discomfort to lead Newcastle to the post-season, where they defeated the Canberra Raiders in the opening week of finals before being eliminated by the New Zealand Warriors in the following round. Across 20 games in 2025, Ponga was the Knights’ fourth highest try scorer, crossing for nine tries while contributing heavily in attack and leadership.
The 2023 Dally M Medal winner – who was crowned the NRL’s player of the year that season – has been a cornerstone of Newcastle’s resurgence since joining the club, establishing himself as one of the competition’s premier fullbacks and a natural leader on and off the field. However, with uncertainty surrounding the timeline of his recovery, Knights officials have moved to appoint Brown as captain to provide stability and clarity ahead of the 2026 season kick-off.
Brown, who joined the Knights as a marquee signing from Parramatta Eels during the off-season, brings a wealth of experience and leadership credentials to the role. The 25-year-old halfback has built a reputation as one of the NRL’s most consistent playmakers, with a track record of guiding teams under pressure and developing strong relationships with teammates. Speaking at today’s official press conference, Knights coach praised Brown’s readiness to take on the responsibility.
“Dylan has shown incredible maturity and leadership qualities since arriving at the club,” he said. “While Kalyn remains our captain in spirit and will resume his role when fully fit, we needed to ensure we had strong leadership in place for the start of the season. Dylan has the respect of the entire squad and the character to lead this team forward.”
Knights CEO echoed the sentiment, adding that the appointment was a testament to Brown’s standing within the game and his commitment to the club’s vision. “We are thrilled to have Dylan step into this role,” he stated. “He has joined us with a clear desire to help bring success to Newcastle, and his appointment as captain reflects our confidence in his ability to drive our team forward.”
Ponga, who was present at the announcement, expressed his full support for Brown’s appointment and confirmed he is making steady progress in his recovery. “I’m gutted not to be fit enough to lead the team out in round one, but my focus is on getting my foot right and returning stronger than ever,” he said. “Dylan is going to be a fantastic captain, and I’ll be doing everything I can to support him and the team from the sidelines until I’m back on the field.”
The Knights have outlined a structured rehabilitation program for Ponga, with medical staff aiming to have him available for selection by round 10 of the 2026 season. In the meantime, Brown will lead a squad that has been strengthened through several key signings, with the club targeting a deep run into the finals after falling just short last year.
