Kalyn Ponga's decision to make himself available to the New Zealand Kiwis for the Rugby League World Cup is more than just a change of jersey.
Ponga spoke about his heritage and the pride that comes with representing the Kiwis in his application to the International Rugby League Board.
The star wrote, “While I was born in Australia, my connection to New Zealand runs deep through every generation of my family…. My roots, my whakapapa, and my identity are firmly grounded in this country and its people.”
The Newcastle Knights star pledged his allegiance to the New Zealand side after the recent changes to the State of Origin eligibility rules, allowing him to represent both New Zealand and Queensland. The Australian Rugby League Commission announced that any player who meets the existing eligibility State of Origin criteria will be able to play under their chosen international side, including Tier 1 nations.
With the potential of Ponga being the Kiwis' fullback, how does he fit into the predicted lineup for the World Cup?
As Dylan Brown has been ruled out due to an ACL injury, the potential combination of Kodi Nikorima playing five-eighth with Ponga in the fullback position could prove lethal for opposing teams.
Ponga is involved in creating attacking opportunities for the Knights and is often the backbone of the Newcastle side. Bringing Nikorima into the equation allows Ponga to choose his moments, as the Dolphins five-eighth creates opportunities through the halves. Ponga can inject himself into the attack as the defensive line starts to break down.
Another key pairing that can break teams down is with Jahrome Hughes; the Melbourne star will likely remain the primary organiser at halfback. Hughes' ability to control the game and tempo enables Ponga to find the space and attack. Kalyn can play more of a traditional fullback role, stay deep through the line, and read the defence.
Jeremy Marshall-King will most likely slot into the hooker position for the Kiwis; he brings brilliant speed through the middle and provides key experience to the spine. Ponga can operate behind and be the X-Factor for the New Zealand side.
The Kiwis spine is well-rounded, with each player having their roles instead of competing for the same responsibility. The addition of Ponga ensures that the spine has attacking threats across the field.
New Zealand also has a vast range of dangerous players in the forward pack expected to be led by Joseph Tapine and James Fisher-Harris. The Kiwi side has extreme depth and arguably the greatest pack in rugby league with forwards who provide power and force to generate metres.
This gives Ponga opportunities to find space through gaps between defensive lines to use his footwork and speed to create success for the Kiwis.
The predicted backline for New Zealand is another strength for the squad; players such as Casey McLean, Ronaldo Mulitalo and Jojo Fifita are expected to be named for the Kiwis.
As the backline holds dangerous wingers and centres, Ponga is able to be the second wave of attack. The threat of talent across the edges creates opportunities for Ponga to either produce try-scoring plays or finish them himself.
The Newcastle star can play to his assets rather than competing with the pressure of starting attacks. Ponga can also provide the individual moments that the New Zealand side may need, as his skill and leadership could be the final piece in the Kiwis' roster.
As the Kiwis start to build their lineup for the Rugby League World Cup, the inclusion of Ponga could be the beginning of a new chapter in his representative career.
Kalyn Ponga may just be the secret weapon to bring the trophy back to New Zealand.
