Wallabies in code switch bid to star Ponga

Wallabies coach Michael Cheika personally phoned Kalyn Ponga about making a dramatic code switch to rugby union, according to a newspaper report.

Kayln Ponga of the Knights.

Kayln Ponga was reportedly phoned by Australia rugby union boss Michael Cheika about a code switch. (AAP)

Rugby league superstar Kayln Ponga has reportedly been approached by Wallabies coach Michael Cheika about making a dramatic code switch.

The Newcastle Knights and Queensland Maroons fullback was said to have been phoned personally by Cheika to ask if he could be persuaded to move back to the 15-man game, which he played as a schoolboy in New Zealand, the Daily Telegraph reports.

Cheika reportedly confirmed to the newspaper that he did call Ponga to discuss a potential move to union late last year.

But with the 21-year-old's future currently unclear after putting contract talks with Newcastle on hold until 2021, the Australia national team boss would not reveal the outcome of the conversation as the player is focused on playing for the Knights and Queensland.

If he did revert back to union, Ponga would be eligible for the All Blacks, having grown up in Palmerston North between the ages of eight and 13.

But the Telegraph also quoted an unnamed source close to Rugby Australia who said: "There would be no embarrassment in trying to get Kalyn Ponga to rugby union. That would be smart."


Share
2 min read

Published

Source: AAP


Share this with family and friends


Get SBS News daily and direct to your Inbox

Sign up now for the latest news from Australia and around the world direct to your inbox.

By subscribing, you agree to SBS’s terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS.

Download our apps
SBS News
SBS Audio
SBS On Demand

Listen to our podcasts
An overview of the day's top stories from SBS News
Interviews and feature reports from SBS News
Your daily ten minute finance and business news wrap with SBS Finance Editor Ricardo Gonçalves.
A daily five minute news wrap for English learners and people with disability
Get the latest with our News podcasts on your favourite podcast apps.

Watch on SBS
SBS World News

SBS World News

Take a global view with Australia's most comprehensive world news service
Watch the latest news videos from Australia and across the world