Kalyn Ponga considers New Zealand Maori representation in All Stars match
Kalyn Ponga is considering representing New Zealand Maori in the All Stars match, raising speculation about a possible switch in allegiance from Australia.
Kalyn Ponga has reportedly expressed interest in representing New Zealand Maori in the upcoming All Stars pre-season match, igniting speculation about a potential switch in allegiance.
Four months ago, Ponga found himself at the centre of a representative football controversy after he announced his unavailability for Kangaroos selection for the Pacific Championships, citing a need to concentrate on his pre-season with the Knights.
Despite this decision, the star fullback faced threats of sanctions from the NRL if he did not make himself available, leading him to reverse his choice and declare his readiness for selection.
However, in the end, he was excluded from Mal Meninga's squad, marking the conclusion of a perplexing episode.
This week, news emerged that the fullback is keen on participating with New Zealand Maori in the annual All Stars match leading up to the 2025 NRL season. "When I spoke to him about it, he indicated he was keen to play," stated Knights football director Peter Parr in an interview. "I haven't heard any different, so I expect he'll play."
This development raises questions about whether Ponga might ultimately choose to represent New Zealand at the international level in the future.
In a 2017 interview with TVNZ, Ponga conveyed his family's aspiration for him to represent New Zealand, admitting he felt conflicted over which nation to align with. "It's (New Zealand roots) a very important part of my heritage. It's who I am. It's the values and morals embedded in me through my uncles and my Dad," Ponga reflected during the interview. "There's been a cloud over my head as to what I'm doing with my allegiance."
Ponga was born in Western Australia and raised in Palmerston North, New Zealand. He moved to Mackay as a teenager, beginning his rugby league career there. Ponga represented the Australian Schoolboys and the Junior Kangaroos, pledging his allegiance to Queensland and Australia at the start of 2018. However, it remains uncertain whether that commitment will continue moving forward.
