ALL Blacks coach Steve Hansen has declared New Zealand rugby is interested in recruiting Kalyn Ponga when he comes off contract.

Speaking ahead of the Second Bledisloe Cup Test at Eden Park on Saturday, Hansen admitted he has his eye on the Knights’ fullback as a potential code-hopping superstar.

The New Zealand mentor’s comments come just days after TVNZ broadcast an interview with Ponga in which the 20-year-old said he would consider playing for the All Blacks to be the “pinnacle” if he decides to ever leave the NRL.

The former North Queensland star’s admission that he could return to union and play for the All Blacks sent a shudder through the NRL this week.

Hansen responded to Ponga’s revelation on Thursday by admitting Ponga is a “special” talent that he would be interested in recruiting.

Ponga remains contracted with the Knights until the end of the 2021 season.

“I thought I’d get away without having to answer this,” Hansen said with a chuckle when asked if he wants Ponga to play for the All Blacks.

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

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

“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.”

Born in Western Australia but to Maori parents, Ponga spent part of his childhood in New Zealand before moving back to Australia in his early teens.

After debuting with North Queensland in 2016, the fullback has shot to stardom in his first full season of the NRL and could go close to claiming this year’s Dally M Medal.

It was in the 15-man game where he was first spotted on YouTube videos as a youngster, and he admits the All Blacks jersey may be a goal later in his career.

“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 NZTV.co.nz.

“But 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.”

Ponga this season made his State of Origin debut for Queensland after he chose to pledge his rugby league allegiances to Australia after previously being named in a Kiwi train-on squad in 2015.

If he was to switch back to union and pursue the New Zealand jumper, he would follow in the footsteps of former Brisbane forward Brad Thorn who played for both the Maroons in Origin and the All-Blacks in rugby.

“They’re the best sporting organisation in the world, stats have showed that,” Ponga said of the All Blacks.

“And the way they hold themselves, their values, their morals, the little things they do make them that step above everyone else,” he said.

“To put that jersey on would be special.”

Hansen thinks so too.

— with AAP