![Star on the rise: Kalyn Ponga looks to break the tackle of Paul Roache on day one of the Auckland Nines.](/web/20170205031236im_/http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/content/dam/images/g/u/5/m/1/u/image.related.wideLandscape.460x259.gu5m75.png/1486196286228.jpg)
Cowboys 18-year-old superstar Kalyn Ponga lights up the NRL Auckland Nines
On a day that sorely missed the flare of Shaun Johnson, North Queensland sensation Kalyn Ponga showed why Newcastle offered him a $3 million dollar deal over five years despite just two NRL games to his name.