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Kalyn Ponga and Knights hit with ultimatum from NRL over controversial Kangaroos withdrawal

The Knights have been told to change their stance on Ponga or face potential sanctions.

The Newcastle Knights and Kalyn Ponga have been issued a deadline by the NRL to change their stance on the fullback playing representative football or face potential sanctions. Ponga dropped a bombshell on Tuesday when he announced he wouldn't be making himself available to play for Australia in the upcoming Pacific Championship Test matches.

But crucially Ponga revealed he isn't injured but simply wants to put his full attention into a pre-season with the Knights. "I want to win a comp, 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 goal since I joined the club in 2018 and continues to be my focus. Ponga said in a statement on the Knights website.

Pictured Kalyn Ponga left and with Daniel Saifiti right
The Knights have been told to change their stance on Kalyn Ponga or face potential sanctions. Image: Getty

"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 earned that yet. That's why I have made this decision and will work hard every day to chase those goals."

The fact Ponga isn't injured means his withdrawal is against NRL rules. Under the Collective Bargaining Agreement, NRL clubs must make all players available for representative selection unless there's a valid reason they can't play (usually injury).

And, News Corp reports the Knights have been contacted by the NRL over the matter, with the league outlining the club and Ponga's requirement to be available for the Kangaroos. The NRL reportedly set a 4pm Thursday deadline for the Knights and Ponga to change their stance, although that was later extended to Friday.

TOWNSVILLE, AUSTRALIA - SEPTEMBER 14: Kalyn Ponga of the Knights makes a break during the NRL Qualifying Final match between North Queensland Cowboys and Newcastle Knights at Queensland Country Bank Stadium on September 14, 2024 in Townsville, Australia. (Photo by Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images)
Kalyn Ponga withdrew from the Kangaroos squad stating he wanted to prioritise delivering the Knights an elusive premiership. Image: Getty

The NRL does have the power to step in and force Ponga to play if Mal Meninga wishes to select and play him. However, instead, they have first gone to the club to seek information about his withdrawal and if they are not satisfied with the reasons provided and Ponga and the Knights don't make him available to play in the Pacific Championships he could be fined and/or suspended for the start of the 2025 NRL season.

It is understood the Knights believed Ponga would play for the Kangaroos and were blindsided by his choice to pull out. However, they understandably supported his decision to withdraw himself, given their obvious desire to have their star player back for the start of pre-season training.

Kangaroos coach Meninga says he was left in the dark over Ponga's withdrawal. Meninga said upon learning of his decision he was bitterly disappointed and was upset the Knights star didn't reach out to explain his choice.

However, he said he gave the Knights star the benefit of the doubt and has spoken to him since the announcement, in a conversation he says will remain between them. “(I found out) just through the press release, unfortunately,” Meninga said on SEN 1170 on Thursday. "That’s the first I think anyone knew about it. I’m assuming the Newcastle club as well (didn’t know). I think this was done independently, that’s my read on it all.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - OCTOBER 28: Australia head coach Mal Meninga celebrates after winningthe Men's pacific Championship match between Australia Kangaroos and New Zealand Kiwis at AAMI Park on October 28, 2023 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Daniel Pockett/Getty Images)
Mal Meninga says he was shocked to learn of Kalyn Ponga's decision. Image: Getty

"I’ve spoken to Kalyn in confidence and that conversation will stay private. I think he wants to play for his country. Just at the moment, he feels like that’s not on his agenda and he made a decision that he wants to devote and repay the Knights and how they’ve stuck by him as well.

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"I think that’s a fair excuse, to be honest with you. I feel that it’s the process that we need to improve. We need to get better communication out of the clubs and players and vice-versa. That process needs to improve. This is a catalyst to allow that to happen."

with agencies