All Blacks head coach Scott Robertson said he will “keep the door open” for NRL superstar Kalyn Ponga to make a high profile code switch from rugby league to rugby union.
Ponga is regarded as one of the best talents in the Australian competition and is currently contracted to the Newcastle Knights until 2027.
The 26-year-old, who plays at full-back for the Knights and captains the side, is of Maori origin and lived in Palmerston North between the ages of eight and 13.
The Queensland Maroons star played rugby union growing up and has long been a target for the Wallabies and the All Blacks.
Although he has represented Queensland in the State of Origin series in rugby league, he has not played for Australia at senior level yet and has also been approached by New Zealand’s national rugby league team to turn out for them in the international arena.
In the past, Ponga has spoken about the possibility of switching codes and representing the All Blacks and Robertson is aware of the player’s comments.
‘If he comes to us, we’ll have a conversation’
“He’s done it a few years ago as well, showing his interest,” Robertson told the Rugby Direct podcast. “If he comes to us, we’ll have a conversation.
“You always keep the door open. He’s a hell of a player.”
Ponga revealed that he has ambitions of representing the All Blacks during a TVNZ interview in 2019.
“That would be a huge goal. One that if I was to come back to union I would want to tick,” Ponga said.
“But I’m not too sure what my future holds – whether I’m going to stay in league or change codes.
“If I was to go back to rugby union I’d probably want to strive for that black jumper.”
Earlier this month, former All Blacks fly-half Stephen Donald sparked fresh links over a potential Ponga move to rugby union.
“A lot of you messaged in saying, Kalyn Ponga,” he said on The Aftermath podcast.
“Well, I must admit, in the last couple of weeks a contact of mine in Australia has said he is under the impression that rugby union is still on the table for Kalyn Ponga.”
Host Kirstie Stanway-Thorne replied: “You’re saying Kalyn Ponga is in talks with New Zealand Rugby?”
‘It would be something, wouldn’t it?’
“That’s the grapevine,” Donald replied. “It would be something, wouldn’t it?”
If Ponga wants to be in contention for a spot All Blacks squad for the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia he will have to play at Super Rugby Pacific level by next season.
“There’s no development time for me,” said Robertson.
“We’re one of the only teams in world rugby where you win and develop. You must have the balance of the two and that’s a real art, giving players opportunities but having to win the Test match in front of you.
“We had 10 debutants last year. If we get four or five in the next two years you start to solidify your group. There’s always bolters, there’s always opportunities, I want to make that clear.”
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Src: Planetrugby.com - https://www.planetrugby.com/news/hes-a-hell-of-a-player-scott-robertson-keeps-the-door-open-for-nrl-superstar-to-make-all-blacks-switch
