The International Rugby league Board has approved Kalyn Ponga’s application to switch Tier 1 eligibility from Australia to New Zealand ahead of the Rugby League World Cup 2026.
Ponga, who was the 2023 Dally M Medallist as NRL player of year with the Newcastle Knights, was born in Australia to New Zealander parents.
He has represented Queensland in State of Origin but was previously ineligible to represent New Zealand after playing for Australia at World Cup 9s.
Recent changes to State of Origin eligibility rules now allow New Zealand and England players who qualify for NSW or Queensland to play for their state.