'Superb' move that makes Kalyn Ponga maximum 'threat' for Newcastle Knights: Peter Sterling

NRL legend Peter Sterling has revealed the subtle but devastating move which has allowed Kalyn Ponga to have maximum impact for the Knights this season.

Newcastle are unbeaten after four rounds of footy and announced themselves as NRL premier contenders with a huge 34-18 win over the Canberra Raiders last week.

As the biggest name at the Knights, it's no surprise that Ponga is a large reason for their success, but Sterling highlighted the reason why the fullback was especially impressive against Canberra.

"Kalyn Ponga was superb," he said in Sterlo's Wrap.

"We know how good he is on the left-hand side of the field, but what really impressed me about Kalyn's game was his work on the right-hand side.

"He positioned himself there and what that does it takes a lot of pressure off Mitchell Pearce on the left-hand side. Because it keeps defenders interested.

"He's such a threat that you have to put defenders against him, so it opens up things on the other side."

Ponga scored one of his side's six tries, with 11 tackle busts, two line-breaks and a team-high 201 metres gained in a stunning win for the rejuvenated Knights.

"This was about attitude this game. They came out humming, the Newcastle Knights," Sterling said.

"They're a serious football team and they showed it in emphatic fashion against last year's grand finalists."