Newcastle Knights fullback Kalyn Ponga has revealed he would consider switching his international allegiance from Australia to New Zealand, a move that would preclude him from further State of Origin representation for Queensland.
The 27-year-old, who has Māori ancestry through his father, confirmed his openness to representing the Kiwis ahead of the 2026 Rugby League World Cup. “Yeah, I would,” Ponga told AAP at the NRL season launch. “Obviously, with the rules and everything, I’m not allowed to (at the moment), but I would.”
Ponga’s potential switch comes as he focuses on regaining consistent form for the Knights after a disrupted 2025 season marred by a foot injury. He acknowledged the need to prioritize his club performance before contemplating any representative future. “There’s a lot to weigh up,” Ponga said. “I’ve got to take care of what I’m doing at the Knights and how I’m performing there before I worry about anything else. That’s definitely my focus.”
While eligible for both Australia and New Zealand, Ponga has previously represented the Kangaroos at the 2019 Nines tournament and debuted for Queensland in State of Origin in 2018. However, he controversially opted out of Australian selection in 2024 to concentrate on his pre-season preparations with the Knights.
The possibility of Ponga aligning with New Zealand follows a recent precedent set by former Queensland teammate AJ Brimson, who switched his allegiance to England last year. Brimson, like Ponga, had only represented Australia in the 2019 Nines and was able to align himself with his mother’s heritage.
Ponga’s decision is not automatic. He would need to submit a formal application to the International Rugby League (IRL) for approval. The IRL previously rejected a similar application from Parramatta’s Dylan Walker, who sought to switch from Australia to New Zealand before the 2022 World Cup. However, We see anticipated that a player of Ponga’s profile, having never played a full Test match for Australia, would be viewed favorably.
Should the IRL approve Ponga’s application, the switch would be considered final, effectively ending his State of Origin career. Ponga could potentially lodge his application after the conclusion of the current Origin series, allowing sufficient time for approval before the 2026 World Cup.
The Knights are hoping Ponga can lead them to a resurgence this season, following a disappointing wooden-spoon finish in 2025. Ponga confirmed he has recovered from his foot injury and is eager to begin the new campaign. “I’m back from that now,” he said. “I’m feeling all right, feeling keen for the season, obviously, all this excitement with new players and everything. Ready to get into it, really. It’s been a long couple of months.”
Ponga has already begun building a rapport with new Knights recruit Dylan Brown, who impressed with his fitness on his first day of pre-season training. “To reach in day one and position that stamp on it was pretty impressive,” Ponga said of Brown, who could also be a future Kiwis teammate.
