Newcastle fullback Kalyn Ponga is free to pursue a spot at the 2023 Rugby World Cup after it was revealed he has a player option in his favour for the final two years of his NRL contract.
The 22-year-old signed in June what was touted as a long-term deal with the Knights until the end of 2024.
However, it has been revealed Ponga will be a free agent by November next year and will be free to leave the club at the end of 2022 if he decides not to take up the final two years on offer at the Knights.
On Thursday, the NRL revealed the updated contracts for the 2021 season which revealed the specifics of Ponga’s multi-million dollar deal.
At the time of the announcement of his re-signing, the Knights denied there was a clause in Ponga’s contract which would allow him to walk away to pursue a chance to play for the All Blacks.
But with the Rugby World Cup set to be played in France in 2023, Ponga will have the option in his favour by the end of the 2021 NRL season to opt for a code switch.
He could also be pursued by rival NRL clubs by this time next year.
The Queensland fullback has previously been approached by Super Rugby clubs, while the Wallabies also sounded out his interest in making the code switch.
However, the All Blacks connection comes from comments Ponga made in 2018 in which he said playing for the side would be a dream.
He was born in Western Australia but spent five years in New Zealand and has Maori heritage through his father Andre.
Regardless, the details of his Knights deal will come as a shock for fans who were told by the club there was no “All Blacks clause” in Ponga’s contract.
“It’s no secret I want to win a comp in Newcastle, I want to hold the trophy up here,” Ponga said when he re-signed with the Knights five months ago.
“We’re building towards something and I can definitely feel it. It’s something that I want to be a part of and I’m excited to be a part of.
“There was a lot of talk in the media about rugby union but I’ve always said I’m focused on the Knights and have been since I walked in the door.”
Willie La'ulu
Roar Guru
I think Roger is a right side winger for sure. He wouldnt be a fullback. Going off that, he would have some tough competition, but wouldnt be an impossible task. NMS was going against Naholo, Piutau and an aging Cory Jane. Laumape has had tough competition aswell in Ma'a, Sonny, Crotty, ALB, Goodhue and now Ennor. Always a tough competition to make the All Blacks, but its not impossible!
Censored Often
Roar Rookie
heritage and nationality are not the same.
mushi
Roar Guru
It's actually human nature to identify with multiple heritages
fiwiboy7042
Roar Rookie
They both had to force their way in and the positions they were contesting were about to be vacated by retiring incumbents. RTS's proposed rugby union position is subject to two-way competition at present.
Willie La'ulu
Roar Guru
I find it interesting how some people dont give him much chance. Nehe Milner Skudder made the All Blacks in one season of Rugby and Laumape made the All Blacks after mayve 2-3 years of Rugby? Both where fringe NRL first grade players. I think Roger is arguably a top 10 player in the NRL, so I daresay he would have a "bigger" chance wouldnt he?
Censored Often
Roar Rookie
Yes. An interview some time ago on fox league ( I know it's only fox) with the kid claiming he wanted to one day be an AB. If he's changed his mind I didn't see that interview.
Censored Often
Roar Rookie
I'd always represent my country, that's not for sale.
Paulo
Roar Rookie
Didn’t know that. He should fit in and pick things up straight away IF he was going to switch.
sheek
Roar Guru
SBW's different career achievements highlights the difference in standard between NZ RU & NZ RL. I'm not even sure SBW would walk into the kangaroos. But of course, that is now a mute point. The ABs are to NZ, what the Roos are to Australia. They both hog the lion's share of quality talent. Although rugby league has much more competition for talent in Australia than rugby union has in NZ.
fiwiboy7042
Roar Rookie
RTS came to league from union. Former Auckland Blues age grade player.
fiwiboy7042
Roar Rookie
he may be an outsider at best. There is serious talent ahead of him in the ABs and NZ domestic ranks.
Phantom
Roar Rookie
Like sonny bill & brad thorn
And that was after 2 years in Toulon and a year at Canterbury NZ...
jcmasher
Roar Rookie
Hahahahahaha what a dreamer. Changing codes at the end of 21 to play for the ABs at the 23 RWC. There is no way in hell he could ever prove himself good enough to make even a NZ Super team in one year out of NRL let alone making the AB Squad. He might make the Wallabies as they have a history of taking under performing League players and keeping them in the Wallabies to learn their game whilst the national team continues to go backwards. Can’t see it happening with the ABs
jimmmy
Roar Rookie
Yeah right. 400,000 expats have now returned to Australia. Give them and me Newcastle any day.
Craigo
Guest
Ha. Right now no one wants to be in London, Paris, Milan. Plus he would have to move and live in some dreary city in NZ for little money. Sunny safe Newcastle is looking pretty good.
Mark Richmond
Roar Guru
Yep....I was at SBWs first game of Union in Sydney, great athlete and player as he is, he was woefully out of his depth. It’s certainly not a straightforward jump between codes.
Yep 100% agree......It stops the ones that just had a dream as kids tho so anyone who does it obviously wants it.....hard to complain at that...
woodart
Guest
cant beleive any player would give up beautiful newcastle to play in cities like london, paris, milan, tokyo etc. imagine missing out on playing in canberra!
Paulo
Roar Rookie
Carrying water... but you know, doing it well until he has to pass it to someone and throws the bottle end over end... :rugby: