By Adrian Proszenko
Kangaroos coach Mal Meninga says a conversation with Kalyn Ponga “doesn’t erase the disappointment in the decision” after the Newcastle star turned his back on a potential Australian Test debut.
Ponga’s decision to prioritise a Newcastle pre-season over the upcoming Pacific Championships has sparked a huge backlash and any sanction would set a new precedent for the game. Every player’s contract states they must make themselves available for representative selection, which puts Ponga on a collision course with head office.
ARL Commission chairman Peter V’landys said he would not stand for “disrespect” being shown to the Kangaroos jersey as the NRL considers fining and suspending Kalyn Ponga for his international boycott.
Speaking for the first time about the drama on Wednesday night, Meninga couldn’t hide his disappointment in Ponga’s decision.
“Playing for the Kangaroos is the pinnacle of the game in this country,” Meninga said.
“I was disappointed not only that Kalyn made the decision that he was unavailable for the Kangaroos but also the process which led to the decision and the announcement.
Kalyn Ponga has upset the NRL hierarchy with his decision to prioritise his club over his country.Credit: Getty
“I have spoken to Kalyn since and while I understand his intent, it doesn’t erase the disappointment in the decision.
“I’m pleased that Peter V’landys has come out so strongly, and I support the game in ensuring that there is a proper process around players being ruled out of playing for their country.”
V’landys echoed Meninga’s sentiments.
“We expect our players to honour their commitments to the game, and one of their commitments to the game is if you are selected for representative duties, you play,” V’landys said.
“The Australian jumper is the pinnacle of the game. When I was a kid, that’s all I used to go to bed dreaming about, wearing the green and gold for Australia.
“Mal Meninga has done such a good job in restoring what it means to play for Australia and wear the green and gold. From my perspective, there’s no greater honour than representing your country in anything.
“You have to protect the tradition of all the Kangaroos who have worn that Australian jumper with such great pride. You have to protect those who have lost blood, sweat and tears in wearing that Australian jumper. It’s one of the highlights of their career.”
Ponga, 26, has represented the Junior Kangaroos and Australia at nines level but is yet to make his full Australian debut.
Australia coach Mal Meninga.Credit: Getty
“In my youth, being selected in the Australian team was the greatest honour you could ever achieve, and they played accordingly,” V’landys said.
“To be fair to Kalyn, I don’t think Kalyn realises that, he’s only a young guy. I’m not being critical of him, I’m just expressing how important it is to be selected for Australia.
“I think if he sat down with Mal Meninga, he would want to play for his country.
“The Australian jumper is sacrosanct, you can’t disrespect it. At the end of the day, he may not get selected, but he should make himself available.”
Ponga’s stated ambition is to win a premiership with Newcastle. V’landys believes the chances of that occurring would be higher still if he played at the elite representative level.
“The experience you get from being around the elite players is invaluable,” V’landys said.
“You learn from them, you get mentored by them. If he was in the team with the likes of Nathan Cleary and Isaah Yeo, you’re going to learn leadership skills and a multitude of things. There are massive benefits to him personally.
“But for me, the Australian jumper is non-negotiable. If someone asks you to represent your country in anything, you should do it.”
The NRL has made huge investments in the international game, including the Pacific Championships, taking the game to Vegas and the looming introduction of a PNG franchise.
“We have the World Cup in 2026, and we’ve worked hard in establishing an international calendar,” V’landys said. “It wasn’t any easy process with the needs of each individual country, but we got there. And now we want to promote the game internationally.”
Incumbent Australian fullback and captain James Tedesco said he was desperate to be picked for the upcoming internationals.
“If that opportunity comes, I’m not going to knock that back,” Tedesco said.
“Again, that will be a byproduct of how we go in the finals. I want to put all my energy into that and if we have a successful finals series, which we still can, that will put me in good stead.
“There are a lot of different factors and a lot of different players. We’ll see how we go.”
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