A trans-Tasman tug of war over one of rugby league's rising stars appears to be over.
Born in Western Australia to New Zealand parents, Kalyn Ponga, 18, is tipped for greatness but has chosen to represent Australia, according to North Queensland Cowboys teammate and league legend, Johnathan Thurston.
Thurston, in New Zealand to announce he'll play in next year's NRL Nines tournament in Auckland, revealed Ponga's made his decision.
"I think he's leapt towards the Kangaroos," he said.
"He pretty much made (the decision) on his own. His family's from here in New Zealand and he's spent most of his time growing up in Queensland.
"He feels as though he's an Aussie, he feels as though he's a Queenslander, and I think that's what got him over the line."
Ponga has lit up the NRL under-20 competition for the Cowboys, and made his senior debut at centre against the Brisbane Broncos in the second week of the NRL playoffs.
The news will come as a major disappointment to Kiwis officials, who made several attempts to woo the talented teenager.
He was named in a Kiwis train-on squad last year, and spent time in the Kiwis camp under former coach Stephen Kearney.
Newshub.
