Newcastle star Kalyn Ponga has declared he’s available for Australian selection subject to “standard health, fitness, and mental readiness”.
Three days after Ponga blindsided Kangaroos officials and the NRL by announcing he was unavailable for national team duty, the Knights captain changed his tune on Friday.
In a statement released by Newcastle after kick-off in Friday night’s preliminary final between Melbourne and the Sydney Roosters, the club revealed Ponga’s altered stance.
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“Newcastle Knights would like to respond to recent communications regarding captain Kalyn Ponga eligibility for international selection for the Australian Kangaroos, specifically the Pacific Championships in October 2024,” the statement read.
“The Newcastle Knights and club captain Kalyn Ponga understand his responsibilities under his NRL playing contract, NRL rules and the collective bargaining agreement.
“Both parties commit to fulfilling all obligations, including availability to play representative football, subject to the standard health, fitness, and mental readiness.”
Ponga’s backflip came after the NRL had issued a please explain to the Knights this week over the fullback’s withdrawal.
Under NRL rules, players must make themselves available for representative football if selected, provided they are fit.
It remains to be seen whether Kangaroos coach Mal Meninga will pick Ponga, if he is declared physically and mentally fit.
Ponga was shortlisted by Meninga in a wider 30-man group this week, before the No.1 said he wanted to prioritise Newcastle’s pre-season.
Meninga made clear on Thursday he did not believe fatigue was an adequate reason for a player to turn down a Kangaroos jersey.
“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 on SEN on Thursday..
“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.”
