Michael Cheika Chases League Superstar to replace Israel Folau
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Rugby league superstar Kalyn Ponga has reportedly been approached by Wallabies coach Michael Cheika about making code switch and representing the Wallabies.
The Newcastle Knights and Queensland Maroons fullback was reportedly directly contacted by Wallabies head coach Michael 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.
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.
The 21-year-old is under contract with the Knights until the end of the 2021 NRL season, in a deal believed to be worth around $600,000-per-year,
Last year, Ponga spoke of his long-term ambitions to represent the All Blacks, despite being born and having been raised for the majority of his childhood and adolescence in Australia.
“Obviously, yeah, that would be a huge goal,” he told Marae in 2018.
“If I was to go back to rugby union, I probably would strive for that black jumper. It’s the pinnacle.
If Ponga were to switch to union, the youngster would be immediately eligible for both the All Blacks and Wallabies, depending on which side of the Tasman he decided to play Super Rugby.
NRL and the Newcastle Knights' response
The Newcastle Knights and NRL responded strongly to reports of their star switch codes as the officials were angered that the call took place at all.
Knights CEO Phil Gardner has reportedly labelled Cheika’s approach as “inappropriate” and “extremely disappointing”, according to nrl.com, while the league’s chief executive, Todd Greenburg, has supported Gardner’s sentiments.
Ponga statement from Knights and NRL
— Newcastle Knights (@NRLKnights) June 14, 2019
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“It’s not surprising that rugby union have identified Kalyn as a talent they wish to get their hands on,” Gardner said.
“What does come as a surprise is that an official from their code would personally phone our talent despite the fact he has several seasons left to run on his contract.
“It is inappropriate for any contact to be made from rugby union – or anyone else for that matter – and it is extremely disappointing.
“The reality is Kalyn is under contract for another two and a half years with the option for a third year.
“Kalyn is a superb talent and quality person. He is a player we see being part of the Knights fabric for years to come. I can assure not only Knights supporters, but fans of the game, we will be doing everything in our power to sign Kalyn long-term when the time is right.”
Greenberg added: “Kalyn is a wonderful talent and a fine ambassador for Rugby League and the Knights, and it is not surprising that there would be interest in him at the appropriate time.
“The nature of this interest is certainly unorthodox. Kalyn has a significant period remaining on his contract and it would be disappointing to see any contact made to any player under these circumstances.”
