By Adrian Proszenko and Christian Nicolussi
The fallout from Kalyn Ponga’s decision to snub the Kangaroos continues, with the NRL exploring the possibility of banning the Dally M medallist from games next year.
Former Australian captain and chairman of selectors Bob McCarthy believes Ponga should never be considered for Australia again after his decision to prioritise a Newcastle pre-season ahead of the Pacific Championships.
It’s the beginning of the backlash to a decision that could have ramifications for Ponga and the Knights. While Ponga stated, via a Knights press release on Tuesday that his “soul (sic) focus is on an uninterrupted pre-season”, the decision could cruel his stated aim of prioritising a premiership.
The chances of Newcastle winning their first premiership since 2001 would be dealt a significant blow if Ponga is forced to miss the start of their 2025 campaign.
In relation to representative matches, the NRL rules state: “Where a Player:
(a) Is selected to play for, or tour with, a Representative Team, but, subsequent to selection, he withdraws from that Representative Team; or
(b) Before the selection of the Representative Team, he makes himself unavailable for selection; then that Player shall not participate as a Player for his Club in any Match or game of Rugby League in which he would not have been able to participate had he played in that Representative Team from which he withdrew or made himself unavailable for selection, as the case may be, unless the Chief Operating Officer or the Chief Executive Officer, in their absolute discretion, determines otherwise.”
“I want to win a comp, for me anything short of that isn’t success,” Ponga said via the club statement.
Ponga finished the regular season as arguably the form player of the competition and was a genuine fullback or No. 14 option for coach Mal Meninga for the Test matches against New Zealand and Tonga.
Players are meant to make themselves available for representative football, unless they are injured, which Ponga is not.
Meninga would not comment when contacted by this masthead – but McCarthy made his feelings known about the Newcastle $1.4m megastar’s shock call to pass on the Kangaroos.
“I’d be putting the red line through his name,” McCarthy said. “You don’t knock back the Australian jersey. I can’t see his reckoning there. It’s the ultimate reward, playing for your country.
Kalyn Ponga finished the regular season in top form.Credit: Getty Images
“Origin is good, but the green and gold is something different. That’s what Mal has been trying to instil into everyone – he’s recognising those who dug the well and wants to keep that spirit going.
“You’d think you’d be determined to get in there and make up for the big loss last year [to New Zealand]. The only reason I can think of is if he’s been told he won’t make it, and he’s tried to get in first. It’s disappointing to hear.
“Blokes would break an arm to get picked when I played. And what happens if he gets hurt in the pre-season?”
Another Kangaroos legend, Wally Lewis, told this masthead: “Each player is entitled to their own decision. Kalyn has had a wonderful year, but if I was in the same position, I wouldn’t be making the same choice – representing your country is the greatest honour you will ever have in your sporting career.
“I know all the blokes I had the thrill of playing international football with would give their left arm to play.
“There are periods for every footballer when they are in retirement and look back and think, ‘Did I make the right decision there?’ I can’t speak on his behalf, but I know I wouldn’t make a similar choice.”
Meninga has worked hard to promote international football and instil pride in the Kangaroos jersey.
Sydney Roosters skipper James Tedesco and Penrith’s Dylan Edwards are the leading candidates for the Australian No. 1 jersey, while Tom Trbojevic is another option after confirming he will avoid shoulder surgery and is available.
“I want to win a comp,” Ponga said. “For me anything short of that, isn’t success. My focus has never shifted from wanting to win a premiership with the Knights, that has been my gaol [sic] since I joined the club in 2018 and continues to be my focus.
“When I’m done, I want to look back at my career with a positive reflection, including people saying he was a great signing and represented our community to the best of his ability.
“For now, I don’t feel like I have earnt [sic] that yet, that’s why I have made this decision and will work hard every day to chase those goals.”
The 26-year-old produced a Dally M medal-winning run last year when Newcastle swept their way to the second week of the finals. This year he was sidelined for a significant portion of the season because of a Lisfranc fracture.
Sports news, results and expert commentary. Sign up for our Sport newsletter.
NRL is Live and Free on Channel 9 & 9Now