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NRL Superstar Kalyn Ponga 'would strive to be an All Black' in code switch
By RugbyPass
NRL Superstar Kalyn Ponga has spoken of a desire to play for the All Blacks, should he return to the code in an interview with Marae.
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The 21-year-old fullback is enamored with the culture and success within the All Blacks organisation, claiming it the best sporting organisation in the world.
“They’re the best sporting organisation in the world, stats have showed that and the way they hold themselves, their values, their morals, the little things they do make them that step above everyone else,” he said.
“Obviously, that (playing for the All Blacks) would be a huge goal, if I was to come back to union I’d want to tick.
“I’m not too sure what my future holds whether I’m going to stay in league or change codes but if I was to go back to rugby union I’d probably want to strive for that black jumper, it’s the pinnacle.
Ponga came to prominence as a schoolboy rugby player, with his feats at Churchie in Brisbane grabbing the world’s attention in a viral video. The Origin star who has Maori heritage through his parents, would be a major coup for New Zealand Rugby, similar to the signing of Sonny Bill Williams.
Ponga elected to play for the Kangaroos and Queensland in rugby league but only after serious consideration of his ancestry ties that made him eligible for the Kiwis. His father Andre said pulling on an All Blacks jersey would be “massive”.
“For us, if it’s not a Kiwi jumper, if there’s a possibility there might be an All Black jumper well geez, that’ something different, delving into a different world again,” he said.
“That would be massive, I’m only speaking for myself.”
Ponga is still contracted for another three years in NRL, where he plays for the Knights and has a number of goals he still wants to achieve.
“I’ve got three years on my contract with the Knights and I’ve got some things I want to achieve in that time.”
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“I don’t know what’s going to happen at the end of that, playing at the pinnacle has always been my goal, we’ll have to wait and see.”
Should he make a code switch, he would land at any of the five Kiwi Super Rugby teams.
RugbyPass couldn’t think of a better scenario in three years than at the Chiefs, where he could potentially join forces with Etene Nanai-Seturo, Solomon Alaimalo, Quinn Tupaea, Anton Lienert-Brown and Damian McKenzie in what would be one of the most talented back lines ever assembled, all of whom will be in their mid or early twenties and at the peak of their playing ability.
If that happens, you can guarantee another Super Rugby title for the Chiefs.
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