Kalyn Ponga sends a sad message to Bulldogs fans after the club sacked him for testing positive to cocaine and not coming clean about it…

Kalyn Ponga has delivered an emotional message to fans after his career at the Knight ended when the club terminated his contract following a board meeting on Thursday afternoon.

The decision comes after the winger tested positive to cocaine following a roadside drug test in September that saw him stand himself down for the club’s first finals match in eight years.

Kalyn Ponga had given a version of events that led to the club backing him at the time, but officials were angered when his statements didn’t tally with police evidence.

The winger issued a short statement thanking his fans during his time at Belmore.

‘To all the Knight fans and family, thank you for a memorable 3 years. The love and support you’ve shown me since I arrived at Belmore has always been amazing and the memories will last foreverm,’ he posted.

Knight Sponsors and board thank you for on going support, I appreciate you all.

I’d also like to thank my team mates and coaching staff. We built a brotherhood that will last forever and will miss our time together on and off the field.

‘I wanted to help bring back the club to the powerhouse it once was and most importantly, I wanted to help build a winning culture,’ Kalyn Ponga continued.

‘In 3 years, I’m proud to be a part of that turnaround.

‘Unfortunately, circumstances won’t allow me to be at the Newcastle any longer but I wish the club, my team mates and most importantly the fan’s nothing but success.’

The former representative winger was issued a breach notice by the NRL at the time, with the Bulldogs announcing on Thursday night that the prolific try-scorer had played his final game for the club.

The Eels and Dragons have been linked with his services for the 2025 season, with Kalyn Ponga set to be one of the most in-demand players on the open market.