'Has to be looked at': Brad Fittler unfazed by Kalyn Ponga's potential eligibility switch
Updated . First published at
Brad Fittler believes Kalyn Ponga should "absolutely" be allowed to play for the Kiwis, calling for an overhaul to the representative eligibility system.
As it stands, players are unable to play State of Origin and also play for a tier-one nation other than Australia, which only includes New Zealand and England.
However, in recent years, Tonga have risen up the ranks after making it into the Pacific Championships final last year, while Samoa played in the 2022 World Cup decider.
READ MORE: Smith's next move sealed as Roosters tenure fizzles out
READ MORE: Tszyu's brutally honest call after 'mistakes' prove costly
READ MORE: Enforcer finds new home after early Dragons exit
Tonga celebrate a win over New Zealand last year. Getty
Their success has come off the back of a host of Origin superstars, with players such as Brian To'o and Jarome Luai representing Samoa on the international stage.
It has led to plenty of debate over the rules and that only heated up last weekend when reports surfaced that Ponga was looking to make himself available for New Zealand.
The 26-year-old was born in Western Australia, but his parents hail from across the ditch and the Knights superstar has also played for the Maori All Stars.
While he's yet to go on the record to confirm he wants to switch allegiances, Ponga is yet to play for the Kangaroos and could technically still make the jump.
Kalyn Ponga in action for the Maori All Stars. Getty
When asked if he should be allowed to feature for both the Maroons and Kiwis, Fittler - who previously coached NSW - said he has no problem with it.
"Yep, absolutely," he said on Wide World of Sports' Freddy and The Eighth.
"The quicker they sort out the eligibility the better.
Watch the 2025 NRL premiership live and free on Nine and 9Now.
"Tonga got into the final last year and they can still play State of Origin because they are supposed to be a tier two. Samoa were also in the World Cup final a couple of years ago.
"We are starting to see that the Polynesian countries are holding their own and I think the eligibility has to be looked at, without a doubt."
Ponga has worn the green and gold, but only in the nines format, before being snubbed by coach Mal Meninga after a bizarre back-and-forth at the end of 2024.
Kangaroos coach Mal Meninga. Getty
Newcastle legend Andrew Johns is not aware of Ponga's desire either way, but believes he would be one of the first names picked for Queensland this year.
"Kalyn [will be fullback] by the length of the straight," he said.
"No idea [about his stance]. That's what the rumour was last year when he pulled out of the Australian team, that he wants to play for New Zealand.
"I don't know, I haven't spoken to anybody about it."
The superstar fullback has been on fire early in the season for the Knights, leading the side to two straight wins and collecting the maximum of 12 Dally M votes.
