NEWCASTLE KNIGHTS star Kalyn Ponga has been granted permission to switch his international allegiance from Australia to New Zealand.
Ponga represented the Kangaroos in the World Cup Nines of 2019 but has never played a full international.
In a case similar to that of AJ Brimson, who last year switched allegiance from Australia to England, the International Rugby League board have determined that because that Nines tournament proved a one-off, Ponga could commit elsewhere.
Moves between tier-one nations – Australia, England and New Zealand – are not generally permitted, although players can represent other countries as well as one of that trio.
Ponga, 27, was born in Western Australia to parents from New Zealand. He has Māori heritage from his father and has represented the Māori All Stars.
He is the first player to make such a switch since State of Origin eligibility rules were changed last month, allowing England and New Zealand players who qualify for one of the sides to take part in the series.
Ponga has played ten times for Queensland, including the first two games of last year’s series victory.
In his application to the IRL board, Ponga said: “While I was born in Australia, my connection to New Zealand runs deep through every generation of my family.
“My father, Andre Ponga, was born in Palmerston North, and my mother, Adine Ponga, was born in Wellington. All four of my grandparents were also born in New Zealand.
“My roots, my whakapapa (a Mãori term related to genealogy), and my identity are firmly grounded in this country and its people.
“I am immensely proud of my Mãori heritage, and that pride has only grown stronger with each passing year.
“I have had the privilege of representing the Mãori All Stars on three occasions, and those experiences have only deepened my connection to New Zealand rugby league and to the broader Mãori community.”
Although the Kiwis have New Zealand Warriors veteran Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad and Gold Coast Titans prospect Keano Kini as fullback options, the addition of the 2023 Dally M Medal winner would be a significant boost to their hopes of winning a second World Cup this autumn.
Under coach Stacey Jones, they won last year’s Pacific Cup, although Australia were not defending their title as they were touring England.
Brimson, who like Ponga only played for Australia in the World Cup Nines, was fielded against the nation of his berth in the final two matches of the Ashes series.