Sport Confidential: NZRL target Kalyn Ponga, Gorden Tallis criticises Brisbane Broncos’ handling of Reece Walsh punch video
New Zealand Rugby League will launch a fresh poaching bid for Kalyn Ponga as the Queensland fullback weighs up a stunning defection to the Kiwis.
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New Zealand Rugby League will launch a fresh poaching bid for Kalyn Ponga as the Queensland fullback weighs up a stunning defection to the Kiwis.
NZRL boss Greg Peters has put out the welcome mat to Ponga ahead of the Newcastle champion’s return to the Maroons No.1 jumper for Origin I this Wednesday night.
Kiwis coach Stacey Jones will up the ante for Ponga after the Maroons fullback refused to commit to Australia at his first press conference of the 2025 Origin series.
It was widely believed Ponga was banned from representing the Kiwis after he turned out for Australia alongside AJ Brimson in a World Nines tournament in 2019.
But the Rugby League International Federation ruled a fortnight ago that tournament does not count, clearing Brimson to defect to England and opening the door for a Ponga poaching raid.
Now the Kiwis are ready to pounce, with Peters confirming the NZRL is keen to talk to Ponga, who could be playing his last Origin series for Queensland.
“We want guys who are proud to play for New Zealand and we would love Kalyn with us,” Peters told this masthead on Thursday.
“We have approached him before.
“The last time Michael Maguire (former Kiwi coach) spoke to Kalyn and his father, he said if he could play Origin and for the Kiwis, he would, but that was a historical conversation.
“We’re very open to having that conversation again.”
Ponga loves playing for Queensland but there is a view he’s not as passionate about the Australian jumper.
His father, Andre, is a proud Kiwi and Ponga, who sports a large tattoo on his chest and shoulder as a tribute to his Maori heritage, has previously spoken of his passion for the All Blacks.
Ponga’s desire to represent Australia came under the microscope last year after he withdrew from Kangaroos selection for the Pacific Championships.
The Maroons custodian ultimately made himself available after the NRL intervened on contractual grounds, only for Ponga to be overlooked anyway by Australia coach Mal Meninga.
That was a sign Meninga wasn’t convinced about Ponga’s commitment.
State of Origin has long been regarded as a selection trial for Australian jumpers and Ponga will rocket into contention for the end-of-year Ashes against England if he dominates NSW rival Dylan Edwards in this Origin series.
But whether Ponga truly wants to wear the green-and-gold jumper is the great unknown.
Upon entering Camp Maroon on Tuesday, the Dally M winner was asked to clarify his allegiance and whether he wanted to play for New Zealand. Ponga produced his trademark sidestep to dance around the topic.
“I can tell you that I’m not thinking about it right now,” he said with a wry grin.
“I am looking forward to this week being in Maroons camp, it’s been an exciting week and my energy is here.”
In March, Ponga told this masthead he had spoken to Meninga about his controversial Kangaroos withdrawal last year.
“In my mind, my body wasn’t ready to go into that camp last year,” he said.
“That was the feeling. I didn’t mean any malice in it with my actions.
“I understand I got the process wrong which I apologised for. I did have a chat to Mal. I can see why people want to play for him, that’s what I got from the phone calls I had with him.
“Despite everything that went on, I could understand why people want to play for Mal.”
Ponga plays his ninth Origin game this Wednesday night but he could find himself in the black-and-white of New Zealand by season’s end.
The Kiwis take part in the Pacific Championships against Samoa and Tonga and Peters said Ponga is on their radar.
“He is a proud Maori Kiwi,” the NZRL boss said.
“Kalyn has played for the Maori All Stars and that’s where his heritage is, even though he was born in Australia.
“We would love to see him in New Zealand colours and I’m sure Stacey would like to have the conversation if he elected on that route.
“We have left the door open and we are certainly keen to have a conversation with Kalyn if he chooses to play for New Zealand.
“There is a wider conversation to be had around State of Origin eligibility.
“With the current eligibility rules as it is, Kalyn would have to give State of Origin away which is a shame.
“They allow it for Samoa and Tonga players so I don’t see any reason why a New Zealander who also satisfies State of Origin eligibility provisions … why shouldn’t they be able to play for Queensland or NSW and New Zealand?
“They should have the option of playing for both if they are eligible.”
‘Walsh runs that club’: Tallis’ savage Broncos spray
Broncos legend Gorden Tallis believes Reece Walsh “runs the club” and has accused Brisbane bosses of throwing players under the bus over the sacking of Kevin Walters.
The blast from the ‘Raging Bull’ came after Walsh escaped sanctions in the wake of a social media post of the Broncos superstar punching his friend to the ground at a home party.
The viral video overshadowed the Broncos’ historic black jersey launch.
One of the code’s most outspoken figures, Tallis, says new Brisbane coach Michael Maguire has walked into a “shitfight” over the political turbulence surrounding Walters’ departure.
Maguire has suffered five losses from his past six games and was rocked by the fresh drama on Tuesday involving Walsh, Brisbane’s $5 million star investment.
Walsh apologised after a meeting with Broncos CEO Dave Donaghy.
Instead of being fined, Walsh agreed to make a donation to the Black Dog Institute, but Tallis scoffed at suggestions the Broncos fullback was ever in danger of being sanctioned.
“They are not doing anything to him,” said NRL 360 co-host Tallis with a dismissive chuckle.
“Reece Walsh runs that club.”
Such was the fallout, Broncos teammate Jesse Arthars did a live cross on Channel 9 from Camp Maroon … and was forced to answer questions about Walsh.
Tallis fears Brisbane players are lacking enjoyment and says it can be traced to an end-of-season review last year that led to the termination of Walters.
The former Broncos skipper claims current Brisbane players were seething at the club’s handling of the Walters exit.
“That (the axing of Walters) was reverse engineered,” Tallis said.
“The club didn’t want to make the decision and the players are dirty about it.
“The players I’ve spoken to are dirty that they got blamed for it.
“The club should have come out and owned the decision.
“They shouldn’t have put that on the players. It was unfair.
“The players didn’t want to take the brunt of losing their coach. The players are thinking, ‘It’s not all us here’, and now they got blamed for ‘Kevvie’ (moving on).
“Now ‘Madge’ (Maguire) the poor bugger has walked into a shitfight really and he is pushing it uphill.
“Watching them on the weekend, they are disjointed, it doesn’t look like they are playing together.
“You have to enjoy what you do and all the great sides have a smile on their face. It’s like it’s a chore for Brisbane at the moment.”
TITAN’S SPINAL SURGERY SHOCK
Injured Titans playmaker Carter Gordon wants to extend his time in the NRL after undergoing delicate spinal surgery.
Gordon underwent a procedure this week to repair a cerebrospinal fluid leak in his back that had sidelined him indefinitely.
The former Wallabies star hasn’t been able to get on the field this year after suffering the rare injury at Gold Coast pre-season training.
Having trialled conservative treatments without success, Gordon sought another opinion from a specialist in Perth who suggested he undergo surgery.
He is hoping to be back in training in four-six weeks and playing before the season is out.
Gordon signed a two-year deal with the Titans, but the second
season in the contract is an option. He intends to take up the option and has no plans to walk away from the NRL.
“I’ve got an option for next year,” he said.
“I’m loving my time at the Titans. I’m learning a lot.
“It sucks not playing and training, but I’ve had a lot of time to learn. I’m in all the meetings and getting information from the coaches and players.
“I’ve got a good feel for the group and the strategies each week. I’ve had a really good time to sit back and learn the game from an outside view.
“Once I get back training a bit more it’ll put me in a good space.
“I’m loving my time in league. It’s been eye-opening and a great journey so far and I’m keen to stay.”
Time is running out for Gordon to play this year but he is determined to get back in the action, even if it is in the Hostplus Cup.
“I want to be playing this year, there’s no question about that,” he said.
“I’m not going to miss a whole year of footy because of some little injury.
“It’s frustrating that it’s taken this long. It feels like the whole process, we’ve been a bit unlucky and we keep getting little setbacks.
“We’re on a good path now to get it done and sorted and be back playing. I’m confident I’ll be back this year.
“I’m pretty keen to lock the option in and stay with the Titans.”
TITANIC BUNN FIGHT
Renowned Melbourne Storm recruitment chief Paul Bunn is now operating in the heart of Titans territory on the Gold Coast.
Off-contract with the Storm this year, Bunn has shifted base from the Sunshine Coast to one of rugby league’s most fertile junior bases.
The last-placed Titans are under siege on and off the field, with the region’s hottest prospects being targeted by rival clubs.
Bunn is regarded as one of the sharpest recruitment minds in the game, having spotted some of Brisbane and Melbourne’s best ever players, and is now in the backyard of the Titans.
NO BAD BLOOD FOR ALF
Broncos legend Allan Langer has broken his silence on his departure from Brisbane’s football program
A long-time assistant at Red Hill under former coaches Wayne Bennett, Anthony Seibold and Kevin Walters, Langer was a casualty of the new Maguire regime this season.
Brisbane’s greatest halfback was stripped of trainer duties, which included running water and tactical messages in NRL matches, and moved out of the football department to work as a Broncos corporate ambassador.
Speaking about his role change, Langer, still a key staffer at Camp Maroon ahead of Origin I, said there is no bad blood with Maguire or the Broncos club.
“I miss it (the trainer duties), but this is the three-week fix I need for the year (with State of Origin) which is good,” Langer said after entering Camp Maroon on Monday.
“I enjoy what I do now (at Brisbane), I enjoy the sponsors and all the corporate side of things.
“I still love being with the Broncos. I have the best of both worlds now.”
MENINGA DISMISSES PNG THREAT
Australian coach Mal Meninga has dismissed concerns about safety in Papua New Guinea, urging Australian-based players to consider moving abroad with the added incentive of tax-free dollars.
Meninga has travelled to PNG for four decades as a rugby league ambassador and Kumuls consultant and insists NRL stars would be safe living in a security compound.
“I have been over there many times and there are no concerns for me around safety,” he said.
“The NRL players would be heroes. They would be worshipped. Tax-free money is a huge incentive.
“I have been going there for 40 years and never once have I felt under threat.
“There is talk about the living conditions but you ask any player who has been there what the experience is like.
“Obviously you have to be careful and sensible but I don’t see any issues for Australians living there with families.
“I believe if done properly, a 10-year window is the right time frame to have a PNG team flying.”
Meninga coached the Kumuls in two Test matches in 2014-15 and says he is up for the challenge of spearheading a PNG team if he misses out on the Perth Bears job.
“If the game believes there is an opportunity for me to branch out and help the game in PNG, I will certainly consider it,” Meninga said.
“I have been going to PNG since I played my first game there in 1982, so I know that environment well.
“I believe in myself and my skill set and I believe I can help build foundation clubs in a new market.”
MOORE BACKS MAL FOR BEARS
North Sydney legend Billy Moore says Mal Meninga can be as important to the Perth Bears as AFL legend Leigh Matthews at the Brisbane Lions.
The ARL Commission is finalising a foundation coach for the Bears in 2027 and Meninga has emerged as a shock frontrunner to take charge of the new Perth franchise.
Former Parramatta coach Brad Arthur was seen as the preferred candidate for the job, but Meninga and Souths legend Sam Burgess are on a four-man shortlist.
Queensland and Norths great Moore says Meninga’s aura as an NRL Immortal could be crucial in promoting the new Perth Bears brand in Western Australia.
“Four people have been nominated but currently reading the tea leaves the Mal Meninga-Sam Burgess combination would be perfect,” Moore said.
“I think Mal could be very important.
“I can see him being to the Bears what Leigh Matthews was to the Brisbane Lions and Ron Barassi was to the Swans.
“He is heading into frontier territory in a state in which rugby league is not the top code.
“Having Mal as your figurehead coach is a great thing because he is your brand. You know him. He has credibility. And he is also a good coach because of what he has done for Queensland and Australia.
“I can see it being very successful.
“The fact they are thinking about the continuity and bringing in a younger guy like Sam Burgess who is in year two of his first grade career coming out of Warrington shows thought and stability.
“Sam will be a Hall of Famer in his own right as a player. He also has knowledge of the Super League where we will have to draw players from.
“I am talking it up but if those two guys get the nod as the team to take it forward, great.”
JD FOR PNG
Former South Sydney mentor Jason Demetriou has emerged as the frontrunner to coach Papua New Guinea’s NRL side in 2028.
Sport Confidential understands Demetriou has the support of PNG hierarchy to take charge of the Pacific nation for their historic entry to the NRL as the code’s 19th team.
Demetriou was appointed coach of the PNG national team last August and has impressed Kumuls officials with his knowledge and passion.
The 49-year-old was sacked by Souths last year but it is understood Demetriou is keen to extend his commitments beyond the Kumuls and also coach a PNG NRL side.
‘JD’ is highly rated by many including NRL super coach Wayne Bennett, who employed Demetriou as his right-hand man at the Broncos and Souths.
JT-LENIU FEUD RETURNS TO SUNCORP
It was the most explosive NRL feud in years.
Now Spencer Leniu and Johnathan Thurston are set to cross paths again in the game’s showpiece event – State of Origin – in the series opener at Suncorp Stadium this Wednesday night.
Thurston is a key assistant to Queensland coach Billy Slater, while Leniu will return to Suncorp, the scene of his bust-up with ‘JT’, as a member of the NSW Origin squad.
The pair sensationally clashed in April when Leniu abused Thurston at full-time in the Roosters-Broncos clash over the Queenslander’s support for Ezra Mam during the racism saga.
Thurston was working as a Channel 9 commentator. This time, Thurston will be back on the sidelines as the trusted assistant who relays Slater’s messages to players, situated just metres from Leniu on the NSW bench.
It’s unlikely the pair will square off again, but Thurston is a revered figure in Camp Maroon and his treatment by Leniu will be another source of motivation for Queensland players.
“It won’t be forgotten,” Maroons legend Billy Moore said of Leniu’s spray at Thurston. “There will be a lot of satisfaction if the Maroons are to square up in any way, shape or form.”
Camp Maroon’s spiritual leader Allan Langer said it’s important Queensland players aren’t distracted by the Leniu-Thurston spat.
“That’s part and parcel of the game,” Langer said. “I’m sure ‘JT’ won’t be worried about it.
“We’re coming in here to support the Queensland team and that’s what it’s about.
“We’re not worried about the other side.”
Asked if Maroons players would be seeking retribution for Leniu’s treatment of Thurston, Queensland fullback Kalyn Ponga said: “I think that’s in the past.
“As men they have both dealt with that I believe. I wasn’t there, so it’s hard for me to comment on, we have other challenges ahead of us.
“We will be focusing on our footy and the best way to win.”
BRIMSON’S COSTLY SWITCH
Has Titans speedster AJ Brimson cost himself $90,000?
The question must be asked after Brimson switched Test allegiances to England recently, ruling himself out of State of Origin selection.
A four-game Maroons representative, Brimson rescinded his Origin eligibility to make himself available for England in the end-of-year Ashes series against Australia.
However his early call may be a costly one.
With the Maroons suffering a number of backline injuries, Brimson would have been in the Origin selection frame if he was still available given his versatility.
Origin players are paid $30,000 per game.
Maroons fullback Kalyn Ponga has refused to make a decision on his Test future amid speculation he could switch to the Kiwis.
That means Ponga can play all three Origin games, pocketing $90,000, and then make an application to play for New Zealand at the end of the year.
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Originally published as Sport Confidential: NZRL target Kalyn Ponga, Gorden Tallis criticises Brisbane Broncos’ handling of Reece Walsh punch video
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