Newcastle superstar Kalyn Ponga may choose to essentially manage himself for the remainder of his sporting career after deciding to part ways with his agent.

Ponga is splitting with agent Wayde Rushton, the same manager who was dumped by Latrell Mitchell recently so the player could join the stable of Matt Rose.

But while Mitchell has chosen to continue paying an accredited manager to represent him, Ponga’s father Andre is now basically acting as his son’s official representative.

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Round 19

Wide World of Sports this week published a message supposedly sent by Andre to a number of player agents who had been attempting to lure 21-year-old Ponga to their stable.

The gist of the message was ‘thanks, but no thanks’, essentially confirming Ponga would not be signing with any of them.

Ponga was reluctant to discuss specifics of his situation when asked by foxsports.com.au on Wednesday, but confirmed he is no longer managed by Rushton.

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Kalyn Ponga of the Knights. Source: AAP

He says he feels more comfortable having a support network of family around him to help make decisions on his career.

“I know for myself personally, everyone is different, everyone has got their own background, things going on,” Ponga said.

“I know for myself, the team that I’ve got around me in terms of my family and what not, it feels comfortable, it’s the best for me.

“I can’t say one thing is better than the other (for other people) because for years people have been doing this and that. But for me, my family is who I trust and who I feel comfortable with.

“Everyone is different. Some people need a manager and some people don’t.”

A number of NRL players have started representing themselves rather than pay an agent to negotiate their contracts, particularly more senior athletes.

At 21 years old Ponga admits he’s not educated or experienced enough to be able to confidently negotiate big-money deals with club executives.

But with three more years on his current Knights deal and his father Andre giving guidance, he’s not too worried about bashing out a new contract any time soon.

He says he may choose to represent himself in future negotiations but that’s a ways down the track.

“I don’t know, I’m only 21. I’ve got a team around me and I’m comfortable with what I’m doing,” Ponga said.

“I’m contracted to the Knights for the next three years so I don’t really have to worry about that sort of stuff right now.”

Player agents have come under fire in recent months, in rugby league particularly.

The NRL recently tore up the accreditation of Gavin Orr and has put a number of other agents on notice.

Mitchell’s prolonged contract circus is just the latest in a number of high-profile cases involving agents.

Ponga wouldn’t comment on Mitchell’s specific situation or on his own split with Rushton.