Kalyn Ponga has opted to remove himself from eligibility for international selection for the Pacific Championships.
His decision means he will not represent Australia at the upcoming tournament.
While it was not guaranteed he would be picked at No. 1, the star fullback has chosen to prioritise next year's NRL campaign.
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NRL issues Ponga, Knights deadline to reverse national team withdrawal
Ponga's choice to withdraw from the Australian squad could have longer-term ramifications for the Knights star, with the NRL reportedly discussing banning him next season.
The league has issued the Knights a deadline of 4pm to change their current stance on Ponga's international availability, or they will face sanctions including suspension.
BREAKING: Kalyn Ponga and the Knights have been issued a deadline by the NRL (4pm today) to change their stance on rep football or face potential sanctions which could mean a suspension (via @brentread_7 + @MCarayannis).
— The League Scene (@LeagueScenePod) September 26, 2024
According to 9 News' Danny Weidler, the league is considering suspended Ponga for multiple games in 2025, after the fullback posted a statement Tuesday noting his intent to sit out any international duties this year, instead opting to focus on the upcoming Knights campaign.
This would be an unprecedented punishment from the NRL, especially considering the history of star players sitting out international duties; in 2014 Jonathon Thurston missed the Four Nations for Australia, while Roger Tuivasa-Sheck and Jared Waerea-Hargreaves both withdraw from the New Zealand side, all three players citing rest or burn-out.
"I could have come out and said it was a sternum or a knee or an ankle or whatever but I have questioned this tournament, especially after a World Cup year," Roosters' coach Trent Robinson said at the time.
"It will still be costly for us [with up to eight players taking part in the tournament] but the players need their rest.
"Off-seasons build our players. That is one of the beauties of the sport. Our guys aren’t often their natural size. We need to get them fitter and stronger and faster and we need an off-season to do it.
"We are asking our best players to play 10 months of the year. It is too heavy a load. I enjoy the international part of our game but we have to manage it better. They should be getting two off-seasons at least every four years."
Why has Ponga withdrawn from Kangaroos selection?
Ponga has withdrawn from Kangaroos selection to focus on preparation for the Knights' 2025 season.
The 26-year-old informed the club of his decision on Tuesday.
His decision was made to "ensure his sole focus is on an uninterrupted preseason", in order to "put all his efforts towards the Knights winning a premiership".
He plans to begin training from the first session, which is typically scheduled in late November or early December.
"I want to win a comp. For me, anything short of that isn’t success," Ponga said in a club statement.
"My focus has never shifted from wanting to win a Premiership with the Knights, that has been my goal 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 that yet, that’s why I have made this decision and will work hard every day to chase those goals."
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Ponga missed two-and-a-half months of action this year with a foot injury but was crucial to the Knights' top-eight charge late in the season.
He is now set to take his required off-season break and will later return to training with the plan to "play the maximum amount of NRL games in 2025".
Who will play fullback for Australia?
James Tedesco has a strong chance of retaining his Kangaroos spot for the Pacific Championships.
The veteran fullback has been in top form for the Roosters this season, who are one match away from a potential grand final.
Dylan Edwards – who took Tedesco's NSW Origin jersey this year – is the other likely option.
Reliable and tough, the 28-year-old will look to win a fourth consecutive NRL premiership with the Panthers in 2024.
He has, however, been nursing an injury this campaign, and may prefer to focus on rehabilitation.
