That is according to Code Sports<\/a>, who reported that the International Rugby League board will meet on Wednesday to talk about Ponga\u2019s Test playing future after his application. <\/p>\n WHAT’S GAMBLING REALLY COSTING YOU? Set a deposit limit. For Free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au.<\/p>\n Veteran rugby league reporter David Riccio said on Fox League\u2019s NRL 360 on Tuesday night that if they can\u2019t come up with a decision, a special committee will be formed in conjunction with the newly introduced rule to make the call. It is not expected to get to that stage though.<\/p>\n Ponga played for Australia in the inaugural Rugby League World Cup 9s tournament in 2019, but the new eligibility rules surrounding State of Origin will allow him to represent both Queensland and New Zealand. <\/p>\n The Newcastle fullback has previously admitted he was considering pledging his allegiance to the Kiwis, but the fact it would have ruled him out of Origin contention was a stumbling block.<\/p>\n So when news came out last month that would no longer be the case, he was thrilled.<\/p>\n \u201cIt is awesome for the game,\u201d Ponga said at the time.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s gonna make it better for us, for sure. Any decision that they made is for that reason.<\/p>\n \u201cFor me personally, it\u2019s a decision that I\u2019ll make with my family, you know?<\/p>\n \u201cLike, it\u2019s a conversation to have with my mom and dad, for sure. But I think for the game, it\u2019s an awesome idea.\u201d<\/p>\n Get all the latest news, highlights and analysis delivered straight to your inbox with Fox Sports NRL Sportmail. Sign up now!!! <\/a><\/p>\n Crawls refuses to believe Haas yarns | 03:23<\/p>\n Ponga was born in Western Australia to New Zealand parents, with his M\u0101ori heritage coming from his father\u2019s side.<\/p>\n He spent most of his childhood in Australia, which is why he is still eligible to play for Queensland should he be successful in switching allegiances to the Kiwis.<\/p>\n Speaking to NRL.com<\/a> ahead of his All-Stars return, Ponga said he was \u201cstill on my journey\u201d when it came to reconnecting with his M\u0101ori culture.<\/p>\n \u201cMy old man moved to Australia when he was really young, so he \u2013 not lost connection \u2013 (but wasn\u2019t able to) pass it on to me,\u201d Ponga said.<\/p>\n \u201cI was born in Australia, moved to New Zealand then moved back to Australia, so I\u2019ve got a lot of uncles and aunties and cousins that have been proud to see me represent our culture.<\/p>\n \u201cI learn about my culture, learn about myself; just be around the culture.<\/p>\n \u201cWhen I\u2019m back in that environment, I feel like I\u2019m around my family and to have that feeling again \u2026 it\u2019s more about the culture.\u201d<\/p>\n MORE NRL NEWS<\/p>\n \u2018WHO GIVES A F***\u2019: Benji tells Tigers \u2018there\u2019s the door\u2019 in brutal NRL ultimatum<\/a><\/p>\n \u2018NOT GETTING BETTER\u2019: Cronk comparisons are wrong amid DCE\u2019s Achilles heel<\/a><\/p>\n Roosters ill-discipline problem on show | 02:31<\/p>\n Ponga famously pulled out of contention for the Kangaroos when he was set to be picked in Mal Meninga\u2019s squad in 2024, explaining at the time that he instead wanted to focus on setting himself up for a strong season in club land.<\/p>\n However, Code Sports reported that \u201cthose close\u201d to Ponga have long said his preference was to play for New Zealand.<\/p>\n![](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/poster-fallback.png\"\/)
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