Newcastle Knights star Kalyn Ponga in the sights of All Blacks

THE future of Newcastle Knights star Kalyn Ponga could soon become a hot topic, with the All Blacks expressing their interest in the gun fullback — who admitted he is tempted by a code switch.

Steve Hansen says the All Blacks would be interested in Kalyn Ponga.

ALL Blacks coach Steve Hansen said the world’s best rugby team would “definitely” be interested in NRL superstar Kalyn Ponga.

The Newcastle Knights and Origin game-breaker this week expressed an interest in trying to become an All Black once his contract expires at the end of 2021 — which would give him two years before the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France.

“You’ve got to be aware of him, he’s a special player,’ Hansen said of Ponga on Thursday.

“I quite like watching league, I’ve got a son that plays it and therefore interested in it.

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Kalyn Ponga talks with Newcastle coach Nathan Brown. Picture: AAP

“He’s had a super Origin, he’s a Kiwi boy and he’s just come out and said maybe one day he might want to come and play rugby.

“If that’s his choice, when he makes that choice, then of course whoever is around at that time would definitely be interested because he’s a talented athlete.”

Ponga has been a revelation in his first season with the Knights. Picture: AAP

Hansen is contracted until the end of the 2019 World Cup, although some have speculated he could extend if the All Blacks win for a third consecutive time.

But even if there is a coaching change, there is no doubt the Kiwis will monitor Ponga, whose dazzling introduction to the NRL and Origin scene has him marked as league’s next great superstar.

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Ponga made his State of Origin debut for Queensland this year, despite qualifying for both Australia and New Zealand. Picture. Phil Hillyard

Ponga said this week he’d grown up dreaming of wearing the famous black jersey and would love to become an All Black.

“Obviously that would be a huge goal, if I was to come back to union,” Ponga told TVNZ.

“I’m not too sure what my future is going to hold and whether I’m going to stay in league or change codes, but if I was to go back to union, I would want to strive for that black jumper.

“I think it’s the pinnacle. They are the best sporting organisation in the world, the stats have showed that.

All Blacks coach Steve Hansen says Ponga is a ‘special player’. Picture: Getty

“The way they hold themselves and their values and it’s just the little things that they do that make them that step above everyone else.

“To put that jersey on would be pretty special.

“I’ve got three years with my contract with the Knights and I’ve got some things I want to achieve in that time.

“I don’t know what is going to happen at the end of that, but playing at the pinnacle is the goal.

“I’ve always wanted to be the best or somewhere thereabouts, so we will have to wait and see.”

Originally published as Newcastle Knights star Kalyn Ponga in the sights of All Blacks