‘Immensely proud of my heritage’: Ponga formally switches allegiance to New Zealand

Kalyn Ponga has swapped his international rugby league allegiance from Australia to New Zealand, after a change in eligibility rules allowed players who represent tier one nations (England and NZ) to still play State of Origin.

Ponga has long said he never quite felt at home representing Australia and believes his true national identity lies with New Zealand, but he was forced to continue playing for Australia if he wanted to keep his Queensland jumper. After the rule changes in 2026, the International Rugby League (IRL) has now formally approved his switch.

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That change means Ponga will now make his Kiwis debut at this year’s World Cup, after playing for the Kangaroos in a 2019 Nines tournament and grabbing caps for the Junior ‘Roos before he broke through in the NRL top-flight.

“These were appearances I am grateful for; however, upon reflection, they do not reflect where my heart, my heritage, and my deepest sense of belonging truly lie,” Ponga wrote in his application to the international body.

“While I was born in Australia, my connection to New Zealand runs deep through every generation of my family.

“My roots, my whakapapa, and my identity are firmly grounded in this country and its people.”

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The Knights fullback had made three appearances for the Mãori All Stars against the Indigenous All Stars. “Those experiences have only deepened my connection to New Zealand rugby league and to the broader Mãori community,” Ponga wrote. “I am immensely proud of my Mãori heritage, and that pride has only grown stronger with each passing year.”

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New Zealand last won the Rugby League World Cup in 2008, and will only be strengthened by Ponga’s long-awaited defection. He likely plays at fullback for the Kiwis alongside his new Newcastle teammate Dylan Brown (in five-eighth). There’s every possibility Warriors playmaker Luke Metcalf takes the No. 7 jumper for New Zealand in the November tournament.

The switch means Ponga will never represent the Kangaroos; tier-one eligibility changes are irreversible.