Kalyn Ponga's decision to potentially represent the New Zealand Maori in the All Stars game highlights his complex relationship with international rugby league. While he prioritizes his club commitments with the Newcastle Knights, Ponga's Maori heritage and upbringing hold significant meaning for him. This internal conflict is further complicated by his recent omission from the Kangaroos squad for the Pacific Championships, leaving fans and analysts to speculate about his future international aspirations.
The prospect of Kalyn Ponga representing the New Zealand Maori in the annual All Stars pre-season match will presumably provide Kangaroos coach Mal Meninga with further food for thought.Test series, declaring that the Newcastle Knights were his priority.
Whatever the case, it is hard to imagine Ponga shed too many tears, given he evidently didn’t want to be there in the first place. The All Stars game? Some would say it’s a gimmicky exhibition match that has outlived its use-by date. Ponga might qualify for Queensland at Origin level, but he was born in Port Hedland, Western Australia, and spent a large part of his childhood growing up in New Zealand, his parents’ homeland.
Yet it has not been enough to convince him to represent New Zealand in the 13-man game – which would have left him ineligible to play Origin – despite the Kiwis reportedly making overtures. Ponga clearly felt an obligation to train for a full pre-season with the Knights. He knew that would have been impossible had he spent a month in camp with the Kangaroos.
KALYN PONGA NEW ZEALAND MAORI ALL STARS KANGAROOS INTERNATIONAL RUGBY LEAGUE ORIGIN CLUB COMMITMENTS
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Kalyn Ponga to Represent Maori All Stars in 2025Newcastle Knights star Kalyn Ponga has committed to playing for the Maori All Stars in 2025, a year after prioritizing the Knights' pre-season over national representative duties. This decision comes amidst past controversies regarding Ponga's availability for national teams.
Read more »
Four months ago, Ponga said no to the Kangaroos. Now he’s set to represent Maori All StarsHaving prioritised pre-season training over the end-of year Tests, Newcastle’s skipper is now “keen to play” in next weekend’s All Stars match. Mal Meninga must be scratching his head.
Read more »
Stars added to stacked 31-man Indigenous All-Stars squad — and two clubs aren’t representedAFL: The Western Bulldogs have been hit with a injury blow with Adam Treloar set to miss the start of the season.
Read more »
NRL Stars Mitchell and Addo-Carr to Serve Suspensions in All Stars GameLatrell Mitchell and Josh Addo-Carr will be able to play in the season opener after being granted permission to have their All Stars game count towards their suspensions. Mitchell, suspended for bringing the game into disrepute, and Addo-Carr, banned for a positive cocaine test, will both make their respective team debuts against their rivals.
Read more »
Bill to reinterpret founding treaty with Maori would make New Zealand a ‘laughing stock’, MPs toldIntroduced to parliament by a minor coalition party, the treaty principles bill seeks to abandon a set of principles that guide the relationship between Māori and ruling authorities
Read more »
Miriam Margolyes Finds 'Heart Stopping' Maori Experience in New ZealandBritish-born Australian actor Miriam Margolyes, on a tour of New Zealand for a film about nuns, shares her moving encounter with Maori students performing the haka. She also discusses her political views, including her support for republicanism and her disapproval of proposed changes to the Treaty bill.
Read more »