Kalyn Ponga reveals how Mal Meninga convinced him to backflip on controversial Kangaroos withdrawal

Knights star Kalyn Ponga has apologised for the way he handled his initial withdrawal from Kangaroos selection, revealing the reason why he backflipped on the decision.

Newcastle superstar Kalyn Ponga has apologised for the way he handled his decision to stand down from international football and says his Kangaroos future is now solely in the hands of national coach Mal Meninga.

Ponga released a statement last week withdrawing from contention for national selection, insisting he wanted to focus on making a flying start to next year and winning a premiership with the Knights.

However, he reversed his decision late on Friday night after talks with Meninga and a warning from the ARL Commission that he could be banned from club duties.

“I think where it lies now, it’s not really my decision,” Ponga said.

“If I get picked, I get picked. My decision had no malice behind it. I was trying to do the best thing.

“I understand the process was wrong. I apologise for that. But I was trying to do the best thing by myself and some people who look after me.”

Ponga has had well-documented injury problems over the past two seasons that have limited the number of games he has played for the Knights.

He missed a large chunk of last season with concussion and then suffered a foot injury this season.

Those injuries gave him time to think about his priorities and he felt that winning a premiership with Newcastle was at the top of the list.

Kalyn Ponga reveals why he made himself available for international selection. Picture: Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images

He says his mind was changed after the phone call with Meninga ahead of the Pacific Championships, where Australia will play Tonga and New Zealand.

“I put the phone down from Mal and I realised why people want to play for him,” Ponga said.

“He’s a very understanding … he’s just a good human. Those phone calls I had with him, I understood why people want to play for him. There are no regrets, I definitely learned my lesson.

“All I can do now is get the process right. Where my head was at, after what happened with the concussion years ago, I looked at footy and what it means to me and what my biggest goal ultimately is. I feel like this period of my life, I want to dedicate to winning that [premiership].”