How NRL star Kalyn Ponga could jump ship and represent New Zealand – despite previously playing for Australia and Origin for Queensland

NRL superstar Kalyn Ponga could switch allegiances to New Zealand if he chooses to after the International Rugby League (IRL) tribunal allowed fellow NRL star AJ Brimson to change his international eligibility from Australia to England.

It means Gold Coast Titans five-eighth Brimson – who was born in Brisbane and has English heritage via his mother – is likely to feature in the Ashes series later this year against the Kangaroos.

Brimson played the last of his four Origin games for Queensland in 2023, but is unlikely to feature this year ahead of the likes of Cameron Munster and Tom Dearden in the halves.

Like Ponga, Brimson was part of Australia’s successful World Cup Nines squad in 2019. 

Previously, wearing the green and gold in the tournament was why Ponga couldn’t represent New Zealand.

Ponga’s international future became clouded last year after he controversially made himself unavailable for the Kangaroos ahead of the Pacific Championships.

Kalyn Ponga could switch allegiances to New Zealand after the International Rugby League (IRL) tribunal allowed fellow NRL star AJ Brimson to change his eligibility to England

Titans five-eighth Brimson – who was born in Brisbane and has English heritage via his mother – could turn out in the Ashes series later this year against Australia

But the latest ruling involving Brimson could be a gamechanger for the Knights fullback. 

‘At the time, the 9s World Cup was part of IRL’s calendar planning and it was intended to be held every four years,’ an IRL statement read.

‘However, the tournament has effectively been discontinued and is not part of IRL’s medium term planning.

‘Therefore, the tribunal felt that players who had played in the 2019 World Cup 9s were being unfairly restricted as they elected for their country based on a different set of circumstances to players who elect for a country through a 13-a-side match.’

In what would be a bombshell move, Ponga may down the track wear a New Zealand jersey as his father Andre was born there.

However, opting to play for the Kiwis would rule him out of further Origin appearances with Queensland.

‘My (New Zealand roots) a very important part of my heritage. It’s who I am,’ Ponga said previously. 

‘It’s the values and morals embedded in me through my uncles and my dad.’

Ponga also stated if he ever was to switch footy codes and play rugby, he would choose the All Blacks over the Wallabies.