BY STAFF WRITERS
Newcastle Knights and Maroons superstar Kalyn Ponga is set to switch allegiances and could represent New Zealand at this year’s World Cup.
Journalist Brent Read broke the news on Fox League’s NRL 360 on Tuesday night.
Under the new rules, the fullback is eligible to play for Queensland in this year’s State of Origin before playing against Australia a few months later.
“It is awesome for the game,” Ponga told media when the announcement was made.
“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?
“… It’s a conversation to have with my mom and dad, for sure.
“But I think for the game, it’s an awesome idea.”
The Western Australian-born Ponga, who lived in New Zealand as a child with his Kiwi father, played five games for Australia in 2019 at the Nines World Cup.
He has never played a Test match for the Kangaroos.
The former Dally M Medal winner helped steer the Knights to a round one victory over North Queensland in Las Vegas and a big game on the weekend at 4 Pines Park against the Sea Eagles could see the wooden spooners start the season 2-0.
Ponga’s early form would see him walk into the Maroons side for Origin.
