Ponga to side with NZ, Tallis urges slater to prioritise QLD sanctity

Kalyn Ponga’s bid to represent New Zealand at the 2026 Rugby League World Cup has sparked debate across the game, with the Newcastle captain formally applying to switch his international allegiance following changes to eligibility rules.

Revised regulations now allow players to represent a Tier One nation internationally while still playing State of Origin, opening the door for Ponga to line up for the Kiwis while remaining eligible for Queensland.

Rumours about Ponga potentially switching to New Zealand have circulated for years, but the rule change has removed the key obstacle that previously prevented him from doing both.

The Knights fullback has previously represented Australia at the 2019 World Nines but has never played a full 13-a-side Test for the Kangaroos. His application will be considered by the International Rugby League board on Wednesday night and is widely expected to be approved.

If cleared, Ponga could feature in one of the biggest matches of the tournament when New Zealand faces Australia in the World Cup opener on October 15 at Allianz Stadium. The move could also see him combine with new Newcastle teammate Dylan Brown in the Kiwis side.

However, the decision has divided opinion, with Queensland great Gordon Tallis strongly questioning whether a player who doesn’t aspire to represent Australia should be eligible for Origin.

Speaking on NRL 360, Tallis said he would prefer Queensland pick players who see Origin as a pathway to the Kangaroos jersey.

“Well my opinion will never change. If you don't want to play for Australia, the stepping stones are New South Wales and Queensland,” Tallis said.

“I'd rather lose as a Queenslander with people that want to go on and play in the green and gold.”

Tallis suggested Maroons coach Billy Slater should consider alternative fullback options if Ponga follows through with the switch.

“If Billy's sitting down picking his team next year, would you want him in the team? Pick Reece Walsh. Pick Taby Fido. Pick someone that's going to go along and wants to play in the green and gold,” he said.

Tallis also questioned whether financial incentives tied to Origin could influence players’ decisions.

“Don't ask them when there's money involved,” he said.

“I'll tell you what you do - take the $30,000 away from Queensland if you want to go play for another country. See whether they choose us.”

Despite the criticism, Ponga has previously welcomed the eligibility changes, saying the new system benefits the international game.

“It is awesome for the game,” Ponga said last month.

“It’s going to make it better for us, for sure. Any decision that they made is for that reason.

“For me personally, it’s a decision that I’ll make with my family. It’s a conversation to have with my mum and dad, for sure.”

Ponga has strong ties to New Zealand through his family and has represented the Māori All Stars three times during his career.

If his switch is approved, he would add another elite option to the Kiwis squad, although he could face competition for the No.1 jersey from incumbent fullback Keano Kini, who has emerged as one of the game’s most exciting young talents and has been nominated for the Golden Boot while playing in the role.

A similar precedent was set last year when Gold Coast playmaker AJ Brimson, who had also only represented Australia at the World Nines, was granted permission to switch his allegiance to England.