NRL Star Kalyn Ponga Fuels Romance Rumors with Swimwear Founder Mimi Bowell

NRL player Kalyn Ponga has ignited speculation about a new relationship after sharing cozy photos with Australian swimwear entrepreneur Mimi Bowell during a recent trip to New Zealand.

Mimi Bowell, who co-founded the Adelaide-based label Imana Swim with her sister, posted a carousel of images on Instagram from their New Zealand getaway, captioning it simply: "passport stamped." The photos featured the pair in various affectionate poses while exploring Auckland.

In one image, Ponga, 28, is seen with his arm around Bowell, while another shows them posing for a selfie with Ponga smiling broadly. A third photograph captures the couple leaning into each other on a street corner.

Ponga, the captain of the Newcastle Knights, further fueled the rumors by commenting on Bowell's post with a monkey covering its eyes emoji and two brown heart emojis. Friends of Bowell also appeared to confirm the budding romance in the comments section, with one writing, "It's OFFICIALLLL."

Mimi Bowell was also seen supporting Ponga at Eden Park, where the Newcastle Knights secured a 12-10 victory over the Warriors in a semi-final match. She attended the game with her sister Evana Bowell and Evana's fiancé Peter Majdanic.

Imana Swim, the brand co-founded by Bowell and her sister, has garnered a significant following on social media, with nearly 45,000 Instagram followers.

While neither Ponga nor Bowell have publicly confirmed their relationship status, the affectionate social media exchanges and public appearances have generated considerable attention. Ponga has previously been linked romantically with Newcastle paramedic Gaby Dunn and Sydney model Matisse De Giorgi.

The Knights are preparing to face the Penrith Panthers in the preliminary final, and should Ponga and Bowell make their relationship public, the upcoming Dally M Awards later this month could offer a high-profile opportunity for their debut as a couple.