Cricket
Racing
Rugby
League
Motorsport
Football
Golf
Combat Sports
Basketball
Tennis
Other Sports
Sport Nation
In-stadium commentary at Mt SmartNZRL to explore potential Ponga switch to Kiwis
Alex Chapman • May 23rd, 2025 9:18 am
Photo: Scott Davis/NRL
He’s one of the biggest names and most-dangerous players in the NRL, and the possibility of Kalyn Ponga wearing black is being explored once again.
Sport Nation understands NZRL officials will reach out to the Newcastle Knights star and are keen to gauge his interest in playing for New Zealand.
Ponga, who has played for the Māori All Stars three times, was born in Australia, but lived in New Zealand for five years, before heading back across the Tasman.
The 27-year-old has previously explored playing for the Kiwis, only to be prevented by a Queensland-sized road block, with regulations restricting players from doing so, if they want to play State of Origin down the track or continue to do so.
As it stands, players who make themselves available for the Kiwis are prohibited from representing Queensland or New South Wales after that, though could play international league after Origin.
However, they can play Origin, and still represent a non-Australian nation, if it isn't a “tier one” country.
Among those who have recently done so, are Haumole Olakau'atu and Felise Kaufusi for Tonga, and Joseph Sualii, Brian To’o and Jarome Luai for Samoa - all have also played Origin.
That’s just to name a handful.
As it stands, Australia, England and New Zealand are the only countries classified as 'tier one' by the International Rugby League, with the various Pacific Islands falling under 'tier two'.
Players can also switch allegiance from tier one to tier two.
Ponga has played eight time since his 2022 Maroons debut, and is one of 11 players across both squads for next week’s State of Origin opener who would be eligible to play for New Zealand, should they forgo donning the blue or maroon in the future.
One source telling Sport Nation they believe it “discriminates” against New Zealand players.
Kalyn Ponga on the importance of the All-Stars game
Earlier this week, Ponga, who’s been named to start at fullback for next week’s State of Origin opener, refused to lock in where his international loyalties lie saying he’s “not thinking about that right now.”
“I’m looking forward to being in the Maroons camp.” he said, “it’ll be an exciting week and my energy is here.”
“I’m looking forward to being in the Maroons camp.” he said, “it’ll be an exciting week and my energy is here.”
If they do so, it won’t be the first time that New Zealand Rugby League has approached the highest-paid player in the NRL to discuss playing for the Kiwis.
It’s understood Michael Maguire spoke to Ponga about playing for the Kiwis when he was coach, with one source suggesting Ponga is “entertaining the idea” again.
Ponga’s only appearances for Australia were in the 2019 IRL 9s World Cup in Sydney, and last year initially made himself unavailable for the Kangaroos, stating that his sole focus was on preparing for the 2025 NRL season and propelling Newcastle into a premiership contender.
While having already worn the green and gold may previously have prevented him from a switch of international devotion, the setting of a new standard may aid that.
AJ Brimson, of the Gold Coast Titans, earlier this month had an application to switch his tier one eligibility from Australia to England approved by the IRL.
Like Ponga, Brimson represented Australia at the 2019 IRL 9s World Cup.
The IRL tribunal ruled that players who took part in the tournament were now being unfairly restricted, as they had decide to represent their country in the nines, rather than 13s format, and can no longer do so, given the event doesn’t exist anymore.
Tune into Ric & Chappy, 9am-12pm Thursdays and Fridays on Sport Nation Mornings.
The Instagram like that cost Marty Taupau's place with Broncos | Running It Straight
