'Feels right': Ponga embracing emotions of NZ debut

Star fullback Kalyn Ponga is embracing the emotions of pulling on a Kiwis jumper for the first time as he looks to make the most of an unexpected opportunity to play for New Zealand at the IRL Rugby League World Cup.

The Newcastle captain spent much of his career resigned to the fact he would never have the chance to represent his New Zealand heritage. That changed earlier this season when he was granted permission to switch his eligibility from Australia to the Kiwis.

Ponga trained in a black jumper for the first time on Friday morning as New Zealand commenced their preparation for the World Cup.

The Kiwis will open their campaign against Australia at Allianz Stadium on Thursday night.

Kalyn Ponga completed his first session in a Kiwis jumper on Friday. Souce: NZRL.

It’s an opportunity the Māori All Stars representative did not expect to eventuate and he’s expecting the emotions to strike as he walks on to the field.

“It feels right,” Ponga said. “I’m excited about this whole experience. To go out there and represent where I’m from, my family, my culture and the country is special.

“I’ve always felt this was the right decision. As I got older, my sister was influencing me, my family was influencing me and the connection to my culture has only grown stronger.

“I’m grateful I have this opportunity to represent my people. It’s going to be a proud moment. My family will probably have tears in their eyes, [it will be emotional] doing the Haka and everything before the game, they’ll be proud.”

Ponga entered New Zealand camp in career-best form after leading the Knights to an unexpected grand final berth.

The fullback scored a try in last week’s decider but Newcastle ultimately fell to the Roosters by one-point in a heartbreaking result.

It’s been a whirlwind few days since the defeat, with the Knights returning home to their adoring fans and Ponga provided a brief chance to reset before turning his focus to a new goal.

Now he’s back in Sydney with the Kiwis, the fullback said the World Cup has provided a chance to quickly move on.

“That’s rugby league,” Ponga said. “You go from one goal to another and you’re constantly chasing what’s ahead of you. You don’t have much time to reflect, sit and stagnate for too long, you’re on to the next goal.

“That disappointment of the grand final, I got over that on Monday and Tuesday. Now it’s just excitement about the next 4-5 weeks, this journey and this experience.”

New Zealand take on Australia next week before travelling to Christchurch to play Cook Islands and a clash with Fiji on the Gold Coast.

The top two teams in the pool progress to the semi-finals, with England, Samoa and Tonga looming on the other side of the draw.

While Ponga is most known for his attacking brilliance and will add plenty with ball in hand, the defensive side of his game has come a long way throughout the past year.

Last Sunday’s 95-metre runaway try came after he made a try-saving tackle on one side of the field, before sprinting to the other side and scooping up a loose pass before racing away to score.

The week before, Ponga levelled Panthers prop Moses Leota, a hulking forward 15 kilograms heavier than the fullback.

The pair are now New Zealand teammates and Ponga has been eager to avoid mention of the stunning tackle. Others in the squad, however, are not so reluctant.

“Ronnie [Mulitalo] decided to bring it up straight away,” Ponga said. “I got lucky.

“[Ronnie’s] being cheeky.”

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