Kalyn Ponga is set to play for New Zealand at the 2026 World Cup after the International Rugby League (IRL) board approved his application to defect from Australia.

The Newcastle superstar told AAP at this year’s NRL season launch he would consider switching allegiances from Australia to represent New Zealand, the country of his father’s birth.

Ponga subsequently wrote to the IRL and was considered to have a strong case given a nines tournament in 2019 marked his only senior appearances for Australia.

He controversially ruled himself out of Kangaroos duty in 2024 to focus on the NRL pre-season.

At an IRL board meeting on Wednesday night, Ponga’s application to switch allegiances was unanimously approved, clearing the way for his first Kiwis appearances at this year’s World Cup.

His acquisition is a boost to New Zealand’s hopes of a first title since 2008… and he will join James Fisher-Harris, Leo Thompson and Knights teammate Dylan Brown among high-profile Kiwis in selection consideration.

The switch also means he’ll never represent the Kangaroos, with tier-one eligibility changes considered final by the IRL.

Flipping allegiances to New Zealand would previously have meant 10-time Queensland representative Ponga turning his back on State of Origin.

But, as of mid-February, New Zealand and England internationals can play Origin provided they were born in NSW or Queensland, their father played Origin or they resided in either state prior to their 13th birthday.

Ponga is one of the NRL’s few Western Australian-born players, however he lived in Queensland in his youth, so he remains eligible.

Meanwhile, he’ll line up against the Manly Sea Eagles at 4 Pines Park on Sunday 15 March.

Coach Justin Holbrook has named a 22-man squad for the round two clash following its impressive win over North Queensland in the season opener.

Sandon Smith comes into the side at five-eighth, with Fletcher Sharpe unavailable with a PCL injury.

Tom Cant is the team’s No. 14, with rookie Harrison Graham joining an extended bench.

• With AAP

Newcastle Knights v Manly Sea Eagles

Sunday 15 March

4.05pm: 4 Pines Park

• Newcastle Knights: Kalyn Ponga, Dominic Young, Dane Gagai, Bradman Best, Greg Marzhew, Sandon Smith, Dylan Brown, Jacob Saifiti, Phoenix Crossland, Trey Mooney, Dylan Lucas, Jermaine McEwen, Tyson Frizell; interchange: Thomas Cant, Mat Croker, Pasami Saulo, Francis Manuleleua, Fletcher Hunt, Harrison Graham; reserves: Tyson Gamble, Cody Hopwood, James Schiller
• Manly Sea Eagles: Tom Trbojevic, Jason Saab, Tolutau Koula, Reuben Garrick, Lehi Hopoate, Luke Brooks, Jamal Fogarty, Taniela Paseka, Jake Simpkin, Kobe Hetherington, Haumole Olakau’atu, Ben Trbojevic, Jake Trbojevic; interchange: Joey Walsh, Nathan Brown, Ethan Bullemor, Paul Bryan, Brandon Wakeham, Josh Feledy; reserves: Corey Waddell, Jackson Shereb, Simione Laiafi

For more sports stories:

• Jets’ tyro Bertoncello has one objective… score goals
• Knights run riot to open NSW Cup campaign, junior reps enjoy clean sweep
• Jets CEO rallying football fans for all-important weekend

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