Brad Fittler has voiced strong support for Kalyn Ponga’s potential eligibility to represent New Zealand in rugby league, advocating for a reevaluation of the current representative eligibility rules. Under the current regulations, players who participate in the State of Origin cannot compete for tier-one nations outside of Australia, which includes only New Zealand and England.
The debate surrounding eligibility has intensified recently, especially with the emergence of Pacific nations like Tonga and Samoa, both of which have showcased their competitive prowess by reaching significant finals in recent tournaments. The inclusion of Origin stars, such as Brian To’o and Jarome Luai, in Samoan teams has underscored the shift in international rugby league dynamics.
Ponga, a star player for the Newcastle Knights, has shown interest in representing New Zealand, despite being born in Western Australia and having Māori heritage. He has previously played for the Māori All Stars, though he has yet to play for Australia’s national team, creating a technical pathway for eligibility change.
Fittler, who has coached the New South Wales team, believes players should be allowed to switch between teams without restrictions. He remarked that Pacific nations are proving their strength in the sport, emphasizing the need for a modernised eligibility system that reflects these developments. He stated, “The quicker they sort out the eligibility the better,” pointing out that Tonga’s and Samoa’s successes in recent championships merit a reconsideration of the eligibility constraints.
Additionally, while Ponga has represented Australia in the nines format, his recent omission from the Kangaroos squad raised questions about his international career plans. Former rugby league great Andrew Johns, although unaware of Ponga’s aspirations, expressed confidence in Ponga’s ability to secure a spot as Queensland’s fullback, suggesting he would be a top pick. Ponga has had an impressive start to the season with the Knights, contributing significantly to their early victories and accumulating 12 Dally M votes.
The evolving landscape of rugby league eligibility is a hot topic, driven by both player choices and emerging talents, and Fittler’s comments reflect a growing call for change that aligns with the new competitive framework in international rugby league.