The North Queensland Cowboys will say goodbye to boom youngster Kalyn Ponga at the end of the 2017 NRL season.

Off contract at the end of next season, 18 year old Ponga has signed a five year multi million dollar deal with the Newcastle Knights.

Cowboys coach Paul Green (pictured) says while it’s a real blow to lose a player of Pongas talent and potential, it will certainly make staying under the salary contract a little easier in the future.