Ponga eager to reconnect with Māori culture in All Stars return

A refreshed and injury-free Kalyn Ponga is looking forward to deepening his knowledge of Māori culture as he prepares for his first All Stars game in five years. 

The Newcastle Knights captain last played in the fixture in 2020, where he helped the Māori All Stars to a 30-16 win, and spoke at the Telstra Premiership NRL season launch about what it means to be part of Adam Blair's side. 

“I’m back, first time since 2020 … I wanted to reconnect and I've been injured every year," Ponga said.

"Every pre-season I've had something that's put me out for four-to-six weeks – whether media have known about it or not – but I can’t go into a camp without having the preparation.

“I wouldn’t go into an All Stars game if I didn’t feel fully fit.

“I've had a good pre-season. I feel good.

“I'm keen to get into camp and reconnect and immerse myself and then also hopefully play some good footy at the end.

“Leading into coming into camp, I was kind of thinking … if I keep training the way I have been training, it will set me up to go in there and I’ll feel confident.

“I'm definitely excited for footy, it feels like you blink and it's back around, which is exciting to have games over the weekend, it is cool.

“I'm excited, All Stars next week and then not long until Round 1.”

Born in Port Hedland, Western Australia to New Zealand parents, Ponga’s Māori heritage comes from his father’s side. While the family moved back to Aotearoa during his childhood for a short time, Ponga grew up mostly in Australia.

Having spent most of his childhood on this side of the Tasman, he said All Stars camps are a welcome opportunity to reconnect with his culture.

“I am still on my journey; my old man moved to Australia when he was really young, so he – not lost connection – (but wasn’t able to) pass it on to me,” Ponga said.

“I was born in Australia, moved to New Zealand then moved back to Australia, so I've got a lot of uncles and aunties and cousins that have been proud to see me represent our culture.

“I learn about my culture, learn about myself; just be around the culture.

“When I’m back in that environment, I feel like I’m around my family and to have that feeling again … it’s more about the culture.

“It’s an opportunity for me to reconnect really.

‘To be honest, I'm not too strong in my knowledge and I used to be afraid to say that, but I'm not really afraid to say that anymore. It is what it is, but I'm keen to get in there.”

Tickets for Harvey Norman All Stars 2025 are available from nrl.com/tickets, starting at $25 for adults and $75 for families (two adults and two children).