Knights superstar Kalyn Ponga will be the first player to take advantage of the NRL’s new eligibility rule, with the fullback formally applying to switch his allegiance to New Zealand.
That is according to Code Sports, who reported that the International Rugby League board will meet on Wednesday to talk about Ponga’s Test playing future after his application.
Watch every game of every round of the Premiership Season LIVE with no ad-breaks during play on FOX LEAGUE, available on Kayo Sports | New to Kayo? Join now and get your first month for just $1.
Veteran rugby league reporter David Riccio said on Fox League’s NRL 360 on Tuesday night that if they can’t come up with a decision, a special committee will be formed in conjunction with the newly introduced rule to make the call. It is not expected to get to that stage though.
Ponga played for Australia in the inaugural Rugby League World Cup 9s tournament in 2019, but the new eligibility rules surrounding State of Origin will allow him to represent both Queensland and New Zealand.
The Newcastle fullback has previously admitted he was considering pledging his allegiance to the Kiwis, but the fact it would have ruled him out of Origin contention was a stumbling block.
So when news came out last month that would no longer be the case, he was thrilled.
“It is awesome for the game,” Ponga said at the time.
“It’s gonna make it better for us, for sure. Any decision that they made is for that reason.
“For me personally, it’s a decision that I’ll make with my family, you know?
“Like, it’s a conversation to have with my mom and dad, for sure. But I think for the game, it’s an awesome idea.”
Ponga was born in Western Australia to New Zealand parents, with his Māori heritage coming from his father’s side.
He spent most of his childhood in Australia, which is why he is still eligible to play for Queensland should he be successful in switching allegiances to the Kiwis.
Speaking to NRL.com ahead of his All-Stars return, Ponga said he was “still on my journey” when it came to reconnecting with his Māori culture.
“My old man moved to Australia when he was really young, so he – not lost connection – (but wasn’t able to) pass it on to me,” Ponga said.
“I was born in Australia, moved to New Zealand then moved back to Australia, so I’ve got a lot of uncles and aunties and cousins that have been proud to see me represent our culture.
“I learn about my culture, learn about myself; just be around the culture.
“When I’m back in that environment, I feel like I’m around my family and to have that feeling again … it’s more about the culture.”
Ponga famously pulled out of contention for the Kangaroos when he was set to be picked in Mal Meninga’s squad in 2024, explaining at the time that he instead wanted to focus on setting himself up for a strong season in club land.
However, Code Sports reported that “those close” to Ponga have long said his preference was to play for New Zealand.
Foxsports.com.au columnist Paul Crawley previously took issue with the guessing game when it came to Ponga’s eligibility, and said on Tuesday night he was “glad” the fullback had finally made a call.
“Two years ago, Kalyn Ponga pulled out of the Australian side and showed complete disrespect to Mal Meninga. And in my thoughts at the time, he should have been stood down from Origin the next year,” Crawley added.
“I would have been shocked if he would have made the Australian side going forward because of what he did to Mal back then.”
Kangaroos legends Steve Roach and Benny Elias were critical of Ponga’s decision at the time, and speaking on Tuesday night, Gorden Tallis had a similarly strong opinion when asked about the former Dally M medallist’s attitude towards the Australia jumper.
“Well, my opinion will never change,” Tallis said on NRL 360.
“If you don’t want to play for Australia, the stepping stone to New South Wales and Queensland… I’d rather play for Queensland and lose as Queensland without Kalyn in the side. Pick Reece Walsh, pick Tabuai-Fidow. Pick someone who is going to want to play in the green and gold.
“That’s just my opinion and they can shoot me down.”
Riccio though defended Ponga, declaring he can both still have “passion” for Queensland while simultaneously wanting to wear the Kiwis jumper.
Should Ponga be successful in switching allegiances as expected, he will link up with Knights teammate Dylan Brown in the New Zealand national side.
Originally published as Kalyn Ponga set for allegiance switch following NRL’s new eligibility rule change
