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Wallabies reportedly chasing young NRL star Kalyn Ponga

Kalyn Ponga in action for the Queensland Maroons. (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)

Rugby league superstar Kalyn Ponga has reportedly been approached by Wallabies coach Michael Cheika about making a dramatic code switch.

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The Newcastle Knights and Queensland Maroons fullback was said to have been phoned personally by Cheika to ask if he could be persuaded to move back to the 15-man game, which he played as a schoolboy in New Zealand, the Daily Telegraph reports.

Cheika reportedly confirmed to the newspaper that he did call Ponga to discuss a potential move to union late last year.

But with the 21-year-old’s future currently unclear after putting contract talks with Newcastle on hold until 2021, the Australia national team boss would not reveal the outcome of the conversation as the player is focused on playing for the Knights and Queensland.

If he did revert back to union, Ponga would be eligible for the All Blacks, having grown up in Palmerston North between the ages of eight and 13.

But the Telegraph also quoted an unnamed source close to Rugby Australia who said: “There would be no embarrassment in trying to get Kalyn Ponga to rugby union. That would be smart.”

Last year, Ponga spoke of his long-term ambitions to represent the All Blacks, despite being born and having been raised for the majority of his childhood and adolescence in Australia.

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“Obviously, yeah, that would be a huge goal,” he told Marae in 2018.

“If I was to go back to rugby union, I probably would strive for that black jumper. It’s the pinnacle.

“They are the best sporting organisation in the world, stats have showed that, and the way they hold themselves, their values and their morals, just the little things they do make them that step above everyone else, so to put that jersey on would be pretty special.

“I’ve got three years with my contract at the Knights, and I’ve got some things I want to achieve in that time, and I don’t know what’s going to happen at the end of that, but I’ve always wanted to be the best, so we’ll have to wait and see.”

Ponga was a standout in a star-studded 1st XV squad for Anglican Church Grammar School in Brisbane in 2014, with a highlights reel of his exploits from fullback going viral five years ago.

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He was one of eight players from that side that has gone on to play professionally in either league or union.

Waratahs playmaker Mack Mason, Reds loose forwards Liam Wright and Angus Scott-Young, and Connacht flanker Harley Fox, formerly of the Rebels, all featured for the side.

Ex-Reds wing Izaia Perese, who is now contracted to the Brisbane Broncos, is one of four players from the 2014 Churchie 1st XV, including Ponga, who is signed to an NRL team, as is Broncos teammate Jaydn Sua and Brodie Croft of the Melbourne Storm.

The coach of the side, Jason Gilmore, has also moved into the professional ranks, going on to take up various coaching roles with the Reds, as both an assistant and youth development coach, and with Rugby Australia, as coach of the nation’s U20 side.

With AAP

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H
Hellhound 2 hours ago
The Springboks have something you don't have

Rassie has done very well with the Boks. The well will certainly not dry up soon. The amount of young talent coming through, that don't even stand a chance of making it in before 2027, is just absolutely amazing.


However, Rassie has proven to be a rugby genius. He will never rest on his laurels. It's why he keeps evolving tactics, keeping everyone on their toes. He doesn't underestimate any team. He is very aware of just how close the top teams is.


There will be no complacency not will he relax with his main stars. He is very astute, knowing that his team is getting older and thus giving the younger players much more playtime than what any other coach would do.


By the time the 2027 WC comes around, he will be prepared to defend his title and he knows one bad day will end a triple WC crown. Competition is that close. The Boks are in transition, even though it doesn't look like it.


After the 2027 WC, most of the double (possible triple) WC champs players will become unavailable due to retirement from international rugby. Rassie is already preparing the replacements, getting caps under their belts.


The top teams is just too close to underestimate and no Bok will be allowed to get complacent. Although they are by far the current most successful team and clearly the best by miles, they are not undefeatable.


Very tough to beat yes, but they can lose on the day. I am not worried. The youngsters by 2027 WC will be experienced with lots of years ahead and that should be a warning to the rest of the pack biting at their heels. Love them or hate them, but you have to admire the Boks. They truely deserve to be top dogs currently.

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