Fresh twist in Kalyn Ponga saga as NRL make call on Newcastle star as New Zealand’s ‘secret plot’ to poach the gun fullback from Australia emerges

The NRL has issued Kalyn Ponga with a deadline to provide clarity on whether he will be available for selection for Australia’s upcoming tests against Tonga and New Zealand.

The Newcastle fullback’s shock decision to rule himself out of the Kangaroos’ upcoming fixtures in order to prioritise preparation for the 2025 NRL season has been met with some criticism.

It also comes after a report by the Sydney Morning Herald claimed that New Zealand had made a ‘secret approach’ to snap up the NRL’s highest-paid player, who was backed to make his debut for the Kangaroos this October.

Should Ponga opt to play for the Kiwis, it would seemingly scupper his hopes of representing the Maroons in State of Origin next year – with players representing first-tier nations like England and New Zealand rendered ineligible to play in the three-match series.

Amid uncertainty over the 26-year-old’s decision, the Daily Telegraph has revealed that Ponga had been handed a deadline of 4pm on Thursday, September 26 to make clear his stance on international representation.

The outlet also claims both Newcastle and representatives from the fullback’s camp had spent ‘hours on Thursday locked in discussions’ over his international allegiance.

The fullback had also ruled himself out of State of Origin selection in 2023 due to a concussion. But in a statement issued earlier this week, the NRL star insisted his focus was on ‘winning a competition’ with Newcastle.

After releasing his statement, he received the public backing of the Knights, who wrote in a press release: ‘[The club] supports the decision that Kalyn has made and will respect his request for no further commentary on this matter.’

The decision could scupper his potential selection for next year’s State of Origin series 

Any decision not to play for the Kangaroos could lead to Newcastle receiving a sanction, with the NRL’s rules stating players must make themselves eligible to play for the national side unless they are injured.

Kangaroos coach Mal Meninga has since spoken publicly over his disappointment at Ponga’s decision. 

‘Playing for the Kangaroos is the pinnacle of the game in this country,’ Meninga said in a statement.

‘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.

‘I have spoken to Kalyn since and while I understand his intent, it doesn’t erase the disappointment in the decision.’

Earlier today, Meninga also explained that while he thought Ponga’s decision to devote himself was a ‘fair’, but said being ‘tired or fatigued’ was not an excuse to not make yourself available for an international call-up.

“Through the licence agreements every club has to make their players available for representative duties unless they are injured or there is some other reason,” Meninga said.

His decision had ‘disappointed’ Australia head coach Mal Meninga (pictured) who stated being tired was not an excuse to turn down selection

It also comes after a report by the Sydney Morning Herald claimed that New Zealand had made a ‘secret approach’ to snap up the NRL’s highest-paid player

“That’s the facts. It’s not about you’re too tired or fatigued.

“I am well aware all players put their body and mind through a tough year.

“There is not one player who is not looking after some injury, not one player who doesn’t need rehab to get over the toughness of the year.

“So it’s no excuse. If you’re fit and healthy to play rep footy, then you should make yourself available.”