Kalyn Ponga is set to represent New Zealand for the first time in Thursday's Rugby League World Cup opener against the Kangaroos at Sydney's Allianz Stadium.
The New Zealand-raised fullback has waited a decade to reach what he calls the "pinnacle" of rugby league.
A February change to State of Origin eligibility took effect on October 1, allowing Ponga and Knights and Queensland Maroons teammate Dane Gagai to switch to New Zealand.
New Zealand captain James Fisher-Harris described the move as crossing to the "dark side".
Ponga joined the Kiwi squad at Coogee Beach, almost 200 kilometres south of Newcastle, instead of resting at home after leading the Knights to within a point of a drought-breaking NRL title last Sunday night.
He said there was nowhere else he would rather be.