Kalyn Ponga will be eternally grateful to a major rule change earlier this year that opened the door for him to represent his New Zealand heritage, with the superstar fullback set to make his international debut against Australia next week.

The World Cup opener in Sydney will be a dream come true for the Knights skipper who spent roughly five years living in New Zealand when he was a child but made the call to represent Queensland in State of Origin.

That should have precluded him from ever pulling on the famous black and white jersey, but a significant change in Origin eligibility rules back in February means players who meet the existing rules are able to represent their state regardless of who they play for on the international stage.

“I didn’t want to pull on a jersey that – not that I wouldn’t be proud – but I just felt like this is me,” he said at the team hotel in Coogee, with Ponga also representing the Junior Kangaroos in 2019 while he also played for Australia at the World Cup nines that year.

“I’m just grateful that this opportunity is here. I’m excited to make the most of it and get out there and represent the people.

“I thought it was the right decision (to change the rules). I think the game’s only getting bigger, and to strengthen both stages – the Origin arena and international – I was just grateful that I can actually have this opportunity and represent my people.

“It’s going to be a proud moment. I know my family will probably have tears in their eyes. Obviously doing the Haka and everything before the game, we’ll be proud.”

The Maroons fullback has played three games for the Maori All Stars and will run out for the Kiwis next Thursday for the first time where he’s proud to honour his family’s heritage.

“I think those experiences help this one,” the former Dally M Medal winner said.

“Connecting to my culture is a journey for me. I’ve been in Australia for a while, but who I am is back home, and those camps were awesome for me. It’s like being back home for me, so it’s played its part in this journey.

“It’s going to be just as special, to be honest. Representing Maori or representing the Kiwis, it’s the same thing and it’s going to be special.

“I’ve always felt like this was the right decision. As I got older, my sister probably influenced me and my family influenced me, but the connection to my culture has only gotten stronger.

“I grew up in New Zealand, and when you’re in New Zealand, back in the day it was more the All Blacks, but this one is just as special.

“I’ve never played at the international level. It’s the pinnacle of rugby league, and to do that now, I feel like the time is right in terms of my career as well.”

Ponga will provide an attacking threat for New Zealand from the back, but his defence could also be a factor after his famous shot on Kiwis teammate Moses Leota a few weeks ago.

The fullback isn’t known for his stinging defence, but he laid out the Panthers star with a monster shot as Newcastle stunned the minor premiers in the grand final qualifier.

And while he hasn’t mentioned anything in camp, Sharks winger Ronaldo Mulitalo didn’t hesitate.

“Ronnie decided to bring it up straight away, but I still got lucky,” he said.

“He’s being cheeky.”

As for Leota, the legendary front-rower is happy to cop it sweet.

“It was a good hit from him. He got me a beauty,” he said.

“He’s a humble dude and he would never say anything to me, but Ronaldo’s been giving me a bit of shit, so I might have to put one on him.”

Originally published as Rule change helps Kalyn Ponga live out childhood dream as he and Moses Leota laugh off monster finals tackle