New Zealand rugby coach Scott Robertson has signaled openness to the possibility of Newcastle Knights captain Kalyn Ponga switching from rugby league to rugby union. Ponga, who has Maori heritage through his New Zealand parents, has previously expressed his aspiration to play for the All Blacks, igniting discussions about his future in the sport.
Robertson commented on Ponga, stating, “If he comes to us, we’ll have a conversation. You always keep the door open. He’s a hell of a player.” Although Ponga, 26, is under contract with the Knights until 2027, speculation surrounding his career has been rampant in both Australia and New Zealand.
Despite not yet representing either Australia or New Zealand in rugby league, Ponga has drawn interest from coaches of both national teams. His father and manager, Andre Ponga, noted that Kalyn remains focused on his club duties without immediate plans regarding international selection.
New Zealand Rugby has not provided any immediate comment regarding the situation. Historically, the union has successfully attracted talent from rugby league; notable examples include Sonny Bill Williams, who contributed to New Zealand’s Rugby World Cup victories in 2011 and 2015, and Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, who transitioned to rugby union in 2022 and earned three caps with the All Blacks before returning to NRL.
This transition could symbolize a unique blending of talents in rugby, potentially enriching the sport with athletes who can bring new skills and perspectives from different codes. The dialogue surrounding Ponga’s potential move illustrates not only the allure of international representation but also the evolution and growth of rugby union as it seeks to integrate athletes from various backgrounds and experiences.
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