Meninga rules out Ponga switching to New Zealand

Kiwis coach Stacey Jones has expressed interest in Kalyn Ponga representing New Zealand, but Australian coach Mal Meninga insists eligibility rules prevent this. Meninga stated, "You can’t do it," referring to players switching nations after playing State of Origin. Ponga, who has played for Queensland, has not publicly commented on the possibility of switching. His father, Andre, mentioned that Ponga is focused on his current team, the Newcastle Knights, and has not made future plans clear. While Meninga is open to players wanting to represent their ancestral nations, he emphasized that current rules are strict. Ponga has previously played for the Maori All-Stars and spent part of his childhood in New Zealand.