Kalyn
Ponga
An electric fullback with the versatility to cover five-eighth, halfback and wing, Kalyn Ponga brings speed, skill and a wealth of experience to his maiden campaign with the Kiwis.
A proud Māori who has represented the Māori All Stars on three occasions, Ponga was born in Australia but spent years of his childhood in Palmerston North before moving back across the Tasman,
Ponga sensationally debuted for the North Queensland Cowboys in the 2016 finals series as an 18-year-old, before moving to the Newcastle Knights in 2018. That same year, he made his Queensland State of Origin debut.
During his time in Newcastle, Ponga has made 13 Origin appearances, claimed the 2023 Dally M Medal and captained the Knights to the 2026 NRL Grand Final.
Ponga made a memorable debut in the Black and White jersey in the epic 2026 RLWC opener, a 24-22 loss to the Kangaroos. Ponga's electric performance saw him produce two tries, three line breaks, and 253 run metres, marred only by an arm injury that forced him from the field with ten minutes left on the clock.
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Kalyn
Ponga
An electric fullback with the versatility to cover five-eighth, halfback and wing, Kalyn Ponga brings speed, skill and a wealth of experience to his maiden campaign with the Kiwis.
A proud Māori who has represented the Māori All Stars on three occasions, Ponga was born in Australia but spent years of his childhood in Palmerston North before moving back across the Tasman,
Ponga sensationally debuted for the North Queensland Cowboys in the 2016 finals series as an 18-year-old, before moving to the Newcastle Knights in 2018. That same year, he made his Queensland State of Origin debut.
During his time in Newcastle, Ponga has made 13 Origin appearances, claimed the 2023 Dally M Medal and captained the Knights to the 2026 NRL Grand Final.
Ponga made a memorable debut in the Black and White jersey in the epic 2026 RLWC opener, a 24-22 loss to the Kangaroos. Ponga's electric performance saw him produce two tries, three line breaks, and 253 run metres, marred only by an arm injury that forced him from the field with ten minutes left on the clock.
PROFILE
Height M
184
WEIGHT KG
92
DOB
Mar 30, 1998
HIGHLIGHTS
Test matches
1
Test points
8
Newcastle Knights (2018-present)
Related player articles
Ponga to have surgery after breaking arm
Sydney, Australia, October 16, 2026
Kalyn Ponga has been booked in for surgery after breaking the radius in his left arm in the Kiwis’ 22-24 loss to the Kangaroos in last night’s opening match of the 2026 Rugby League World Cup in Sydney.
The 28-year-old fullback remained on the field until the 70th minute after suffering the break earlier in the second half.
“We wish Kalyn all the best with his surgery today,” said team doctor Greg Macleod.
“We’ll see how that goes but for now he will remain in camp.”
Ponga marked an outstanding Test debut by scoring two tries, running 253 metres from 16 runs, making three line breaks and five tackle breaks.
Biography
Last updated:
October 27, 2026
An electric fullback with the versatility to cover five-eighth, halfback and wing, Kalyn Ponga brings speed, skill and a wealth of experience to his maiden campaign with the Kiwis.
A proud Māori who has represented the Māori All Stars on three occasions, Ponga was born in Australia but spent years of his childhood in Palmerston North before moving back across the Tasman,
Ponga sensationally debuted for the North Queensland Cowboys in the 2016 finals series as an 18-year-old, before moving to the Newcastle Knights in 2018. That same year, he made his Queensland State of Origin debut.
During his time in Newcastle, Ponga has made 13 Origin appearances, claimed the 2023 Dally M Medal and captained the Knights to the 2026 NRL Grand Final.
Ponga made a memorable debut in the Black and White jersey in the epic 2026 RLWC opener, a 24-22 loss to the Kangaroos. Ponga's electric performance saw him produce two tries, three line breaks, and 253 run metres, marred only by an arm injury that forced him from the field with ten minutes left on the clock.
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