Ponga keeps options open

IF it were up to Kalyn Ponga’s father, the North Queensland young gun would have pledged his international allegiance to the black and white jersey a long time ago.

However, Andre Ponga isn’t putting any pressure on his 18-year-old son to turn his back on Australia.

Eligible for both trans-Tasman rivals, Kalyn is widely considered to be the hottest young prospect in the NRL – a reputation that was only enhanced following an eyecatching introduction to first grade.

Kalyn became just the sixth player in 30 years to make his NRL debut in a final against Brisbane last week, belying his age to run for 174m while almost producing a spectacular try with a jinking run that left defenders grasping for air.

He wasn’t as prominent in Friday night’s preliminary final which saw the defending champions bow out against the Sharks.

But many view Kalyn as the heir to Johnathan Thurston’s throne at the Cowboys and it’s becoming increasingly clear he has the rugby league world at his feet.

The fleet-footed fullback has both the Kiwis and Kangaroos, not to mention Queensland, clamouring for his services and last year was included in former coach Stephen Kearney’s train-on squad to get a taste of the Kiwis’ culture.

But having come through the Australian system, he is genuinely torn by which way to go.

‘‘It’s no secret that when you have options you’re going to have that pressure. I think he’s mature with it and he’s just allowing that to take its course,’’ Andre Ponga said.

‘‘My heritage and his mum’s heritage is Kiwi and Maori but it’s got to be his choice.

‘‘Family supports him no matter what.’’

The seriousness with which Kalyn is taking the matter was shown earlier this year when he knocked back the New Zealand and Australia under-20s sides to mull over his future.

A decision will have to be made sooner rather than later.

But as much as he would like to see him commit to New Zealand, Andre admits the lure of State of Origin may be too hard to resist.

‘‘What I’ve learned through him is these boys have been brought up with the pride of the Queensland jumper.

‘‘In league terms here, the Queensland jumper’s just as big as the All Black jumper back home.’’

Born in Australia, Kalyn was seven when he moved to Palmerston North with his Kiwi parents, before returning to Australia five years later.