ALL STARS COVERAGE kicks off on Fox League at 4.45pm AEDT.

Kalyn Ponga has lauded the impact new coach Adam O’Brien has made on the Knights since taking over the reins.

The former Roosters assistant would have learned a lot from arguably the game’s two best coaches in Craig Bellamy, while at the Storm and Trent Robinson at the Roosters.

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Newcastle’s best player believes his team are well ahead of where they were this time last year.

“It’s been an awesome three months with Adsy (Adam O’Brien) as head coach,” Ponga told Fox Sports.

“Obviously we have had a whole reshape of the club in terms of staff and our high performance unit are in their second year.

“The whole approach has changed. Standards have been lifted. The boys are on board, which is cool and we are all excited to play.”

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Speaking ahead of the Maori All Stars clash with the Indigenous All Stars on the Gold Coast Ponga said he was excited to take his game to new heights after a full pre-season in his preferred position.

“Now I’ve had a full pre-season in the No.1 jersey I feel pretty comfortable back there,” Ponga said.

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“It’s home for me. It is my natural position. But we have got a few young boys coming through and I wouldn’t be surprised if they are knocking on the door soon.

“I can’t be complacent. I’ve still got to work hard. As much as Adsy has got full faith in me, I still don’t want to get complacent.”

Kalyn Ponga and is proud of where his dad comes from.

Ponga began last season in the No.6 jersey after then coach Nathan Brown experimented with the Maroons star in the playmaking role.

While Ponga was confident he could have made a success of the switch with more time, he feels content to be plying his trade in his true position to kick off the new season.

“Fullback is where I feel most comfortable and where I play my best footy,” Ponga said.

Adam O’Brien has made a big impact in Kalyn Ponga’s eyes.

“But when I was in that transition to the No.6 jersey it is like anything when you are in a new role you need to take a bit of time to learn it.

“But fullback is my trade and I’m working hard on it.”

While the Knights have made gains on the training paddock, Ponga’s best response came when asked why the Knights are a better side in 2020.

“We are not yet because we haven’t played a game,” Ponga said.

Kalyn Ponga is excited to have a full pre-season at fullback under his belt.

“No one is better or worse yet so until Round 1, so I guess we will see.”

Ponga has chosen to represent Queensalnd and Australia in rugby league, but welcomes the chance to honour his father’s roots by playing for the Maori All Stars.

“Although I was raised in Australia my values and who I am is very much Maori,” Ponga said.

“It is just that Australia has been home to me for so many years. I always get emotional when I put the Maori jersey or any jersey on for the first time.

“It is an opportunity to reconnect with who I am and represent my family. My dad is very proud of where he is from and it is a chance to play for my family.