One of the hottest talents in the NRL has revealed a future desire to be an All Black.
Newcastle Knights fullback Kalyn Ponga, who made his Queensland Origin debut this year, has been a sensation this year and is one of the favourites for the Dally M player of the year award.
Ponga is also expected to be in the frame for Kangaroos selection in October, but told TVNZ he was open to a switch back to rugby in the future.
Born in Western Australia, Ponga spent five years in this country from the age of eight years old until 13 and has Maori heritage through his Kiwi parents.
He turned down the Kiwis earlier this year to align with Queensland, but could yet represent New Zealand one day.
"Obviously, that (playing for the All Blacks) would be a huge goal, if I was to come back to union I'd want to tick," Ponga told TVNZ.
"I'm not too sure what my future holds — whether I'm going to stay in league or change codes but if I was to go back to rugby union I'd probably want to strive for that black jumper...it's the pinnacle."
For now Ponga is focussed on his career with the Central Coast based team. He has been a revelation since his move south from the Cowboys, with six tries, 14 try assists and 14 line breaks for the Knights this season.
"I've got three years on my contract with the Knights and I've got some things I want to achieve in that time," Ponga told TVNZ.
"I don't know what's going to happen at the end of that, playing at the pinnacle has always been my goal, we'll have to wait and see."