Football star reveals devastating toll of family tragedy after younger brother drowned aged just 18 months

Kalyn Ponga has opened up about the family tragedy that has forged an unbreakable bond between her loved ones.

Ponga, 26, a Dally M winner, burst onto the scene as an exciting teenage prodigy with North Queensland, before switching to Newcastle Knights in 2018.

However, it hasn’t all been plain sailing for the Queenslander, as a series of concussion problems and the devastating loss of his younger brother have taken a huge toll.

Ponga lost his younger brother, Kacey, after a drowning accident when his brother was just 18 months old.

Speaking to Nine, Ponga revealed the impact the family loss had on his parents, Andre and Ardine, as well as his sister Kayley.

“I was about seven years old,” Ponga said.

‘I kind of knew what was going on, but I didn’t know how deeply it affected my mom and dad or what they had to go through and what they had been through.

‘I was seven years old and I knew what was happening, but I didn’t fully understand it.

“Obviously it was a very sad thing that happened and we obviously wish he would come back, but it is the reason why the family is so close.”

Ponga has maintained a close relationship with his father André, who has been by his side to help guide him throughout his career.

Andre came into the public eye when Ponga was negotiating his contract extension with the Knights in 2022, and Ponga believes his father’s involvement in his career has been beneficial to the family.

“So far, throughout my football career, we’ve moved a lot because of that,” he said.

Obviously, I’ll be here for the next three or four years and after that contract I’ll go on my own. It’s been a lot about family and what’s best for the family and for my sister.

‘This decision to come to Newcastle and be with the Knights has been one of the best.’