Legends ALL-TIME argument over Ponga's selection backflip: Freddy & the Eighth - Ep24 | NRL on Nine

[@Hyphen_1781]

The fact they wanna ban Ponga for games is extremely stupid.

[@Londonman564]

Cos he's maori that's why

[@Scooty_Scooty]

​@@Londonman564 ow chur bro

[@TwoFourFourFour]

Biggest beat up I’ve seen in years

[@44shots6worlds]

*Hope*

[@RobinFrost-h4v]

@@Londonman564 Oh my god, black people and their imaginary problems 🤦

[@Scooty_Scooty]

All the drama about Ponga not wanting to play for Aus has caused some journos to say he should be banned from Origin but they make no mention of the players who play Origin but choose other nations over Aus being banned.

[@RobinFrost-h4v]

To be fair Origin is for Australians and he made his choice. If people are having it both ways that should change not become normalised.

[@HoppaRay23]

Players can play for other nations over Aus as well as origin depending on the nation and how good they are… it’s the rules

[@Scooty_Scooty]

@@HoppaRay23 yeah I know it's the rules but if it's ok for other Origin players to say nope to Aus and instead select another nation then it should be ok for Ponga to say nope to Aus without it impacting his Origin chances.

[@janicewilson-tx4ck]

It's people's choice ? ❤ the most important thing in life is knowing where you come from 😊

[@74aussieguy]

Good point the ones that choose their nation have that much pride for their country they don't consider origin Ponga has obviously not enough admiration for his country that he put his club first according to John's playing for Australia is a choice not a privilege which it should be one of the highest honour

[@fryyz9674]

Agree with joey, you can’t make someone play if they don’t want to play(obviously different if it’s your club) it’s too much footy in a season plus origin. I know he played 12 games but all the injured and head knocks he’s had why risk it. Plus being from newy all time away from his family in syd/qld/melb.

[@wperfect]

Agreed, just never consider him for selection in future

[@Sydneysideliner]

Guessing the concern's entirely around managing his health, and he's not just finding ways to dodge a roos call up. So the onus is on Mal to fully use his squad. If it's a tournament it can't be the same team each game

[@JamesWillis-yy5px]

Correct, his had repeated injuries. If he dose not want to risk more injuries, that should be his right.

[@brettharrington4333]

as being his cousin, he is a kiwi and does not call himself a auzzy never has so can't see why he is even in the conversation, but he has called the kiwis and is changing countrys

[@Mac-jx8uj]

Bro , he's in the conversation because he has chosen to play from Qld ? It's simple ! If your not available for Australia your not eligible to play for Qld . The bro should have just said he was injured or having family issues but instead his so called management has gone out of there way to agitate everyone ? If your asking me and I'm a die hard Qld man he has also ruled himself out of origin next year . One of our best players and I love watching him electric ⚡

[@davidtaliai996]

You don't get punished in an office if you get a promotion and turn it down. If he doesnt want to play any footy outside of the knights then he doesnt have to.

[@benjaminmanimbi6746]

This is the most common sense comment I've read in a while.

[@warrenturner397]

It's in his CONTRACT!

[@tomgrogan3293]

In an office most people hold you to your contract, it’s in his contract

[@davidtaliai996]

The koori knockout is on during the GF long weekend yet the NRL let the indigenous boys play in it. You think if an indigenous player who was on the cusp of getting selected for Aus at the end of the year gets injured playing in it would the NRL punish him? Probably not. FOH with that contract BS.

[@tomgrogan3293]

@@davidtaliai996yeah that’s because they’re injured 😂 the issue is kalyns not and only played 12 games this year

[@cleaningthepipes]

If Kalyn has to bear the responsibility of being the main talking point of a club then he definitely doesn’t deserve sh*t for resting himself for them. Shot the lights out at the end of the season and proved his worth, now there’s people saying well what should he do for his country? Well what does the game want to do to compensate these superhuman expectations on its players? Lot of thankless work for the ‘love of the game’.

[@boerbru9721]

International game is a joke can’t blame the players , some of the fault is origin and whoever runs international rugby.

[@fu8713]

It is a joke both games international rugby is being absolutely obliterated by ridiculous over refereeing for all teams, the tmo calls are ridiculous And for league australia pretty much control all RL international and NRL Last RLWC were controlled by ALL AUSTRALIAN REFEREES 😂😂😂 Ashley Klein being worse controlled the test matches NZ vs AUST 😂😂😂 how dodgy is that lol cabbage

[@percyfree9831]

Brad,a charmed life

[@goodboydaz]

Lmao Joey saying Union in Europe play 14 games is a laugh. France has 26 rounds, England has 18, then Ireland/Wales/Scotland are same. Then add finals AND Euro League. They play 40 odd and then add international games.

[@teaspoons5942]

Yeah and they do about a tenth of the work and impact of rugby league players. Ponga could play 40 rugby games a year and be fresh as a daisy....

[@davidtaliai996]

Did you watch the test rugby? You have to play 3 rugby games to feel the same fatigue a league game has.

[@jnic2165]

Yeah, I noticed that comment from Joey, The top French teams play about 40 games, players earn thier money. Also worth mentioning the Top 14 cap is 17m AUD compared to the NRL 12.5m. Yes Top 14 get paid more but not " squillions " as Joey said.

[@robcousins231]

@@teaspoons5942 Yeah, right, a tenth of the workload 🤣

[@goodboydaz]

@@teaspoons5942 Ponga would get injured like always lmao. Held together by duck tape

[@sharonscott1776]

It should be up to the player so I agree with Kalyn we need him fully fit for next year.

[@Bill6000-v4s]

He signed his contract that dictates his availability. If other players/clubs were selfish like yourself the international game dies.

[@boerbru9721]

The international game died ages ago

[@graymcmic1419]

"We"? Are you in the team? Part of the management? No? Then STFu

[@yessirrr5182]

​@ZAHRN1 the game got worse when the bunkers started cheating, corrupted people always ruin things

[@richardwhite2730]

It should be up to the player if they play rep footy. But if you knock back an Aussie jersey, you should not be eligible for future selection. But i think the suggestion of a suspension is over the top

[@Samoanhulk24]

I think the thing with Kalyn is he honestly can’t see himself wearing a green and gold jumper. He would rather a kiwi jumper but the pull of origin when he was young was to strong and he chose Queensland therefore having to play for the kangaroos. He is a proud Nz Māori and I’m sure his old man would rather see him in a kiwi jersey too

[@benoh8321]

He’s already represented Queensland and Australia, at schoolboys level and at the international nines (the last post season he was fit)

[@jnic2165]

Ponga has talked about his desire to play for NZ ( either All Blacks or Kiwis ) if he played for the Kangaroos he'd never be able to play for NZ

[@benoh8321]

@@jnic2165 He’s not eligible to ever play for the Kiwis already due to representing Australia at the international nines tournament in 2019

[@Samoanhulk24]

@@benoh8321school boy and nines its no where near on par with top level footy mate. It was the Queensland jersey that got him over the line. If he could play Queensland and choose between Australia and New Zealand like the Samoan and Tongan boys do, there is no doubt he’s choosing the black jumper

[@benoh8321]

@@Samoanhulk24 The Nines was an official IRL tournament, it was even acknowledged in their international eligibility rules 💀 He could have played for the “black jumper” you reckon he wants so bad, but chose not to. Not to mention already knocking them back before he decided to commit to Australia/Origin

[@tobiaskrebsanimation]

I find the Ponga situation funny... Love how its fine for Spencer Leniu and his boys to step down for Samoa ( i know its for a wedding) but not Ponga... Is repping your country really that important anymore... players can switch and change country rep whenever they want... Play for samoa/ Fiji and still be in origin... Also almost everyone has named Ponga as a third choice fullback... No one is gonna watch the pacific championships anyway... Also Jack wighton didn't get the hate for stepping down...

[@amritpalsingh3494]

Panthers record at rain day game is so bad. They’ve won only 3 games and lost 7 when it’s raining. They lost to wooden spoon tigers last year they almost lost to parra this year when they were behind by 14 points in last 4 mintues. If it rains Penrith can lose to sharks on Saturday

[@The_pleZy_Podcast]

😂keep telling yourself that

[@Aussieewonder]

​@@The_pleZy_Podcast he ain't wrong

[@TROYBALLER]

Your correct , I remember that west tigers game last year,the Panthers where woeful! And in other wet weather games, they have looked ordinary. I think they will win, but heavy rain 🌧 during games bring the Panthers back to the field to some degree

[@darshin95]

My dad always said cats don't play well in the wet!

[@budh7436]

Club comes first totally agree with Andrew its up to the player if he decides to not play rep games and put his health first

[@seigtitties]

I think the most obvious thing here is injury history.... Concussions or otherwise, those are serious things for a players period! To take some games off as a precaution or focus on rehab or pure lack of desire to play you are well within your rights to make that decision in the best interests of your health

[@MLF-kq8ut]

A French Top 14 team can play up to 37 games a year including Top 14, Champions Cup and finals. That's what Toulouse played last year. But the French national team rests its top players for their July tests and only puts in a full strength side for the Six Nations so in that sense the administration protects players by allowing them to drop national honours and prioritise their clubs. Japanese rugby however is a nice 12 - 14 week season. Good luck to young Zach too. He'll be a barnstormer at 12.

[@jnic2165]

I'm surprised they didn't mention Zach when they were talking about departing Chooks 😅

[@MLF-kq8ut]

@@jnic2165 🤣 Pretty good news that he's played in the forwards too. Australia could do with a Kwagga Smith style utility.

[@hansoloburger2322]

The craziest thing about this ponga situation is ponga is going to get punished more severely than addo-Carr and latrell combined

[@44shots6worlds]

Wanna have a guess why mate

[@hansoloburger2322]

@@BlackQueen-z5b definitely not grow up latrell an carr broke criminal laws. Give your mum her phone back you’re done for the week

[@hansoloburger2322]

@@BlackQueen-z5b my replies odd?you said this ponga issue is a bigger deal than breaking the law

[@hansoloburger2322]

@@BlackQueen-z5b this is how delusional you are you think breaking a contract an others could follow is worse that driving on drugs where you could possibly kill yourself or other is worse absolutely ridiculous don’t reply this is going nowhere

[@Its_just_me_again]

i love joey and love his passion, but no one on this planet would believe he wouldnt care if he wasnt playing for the knights. he's getting worked up because it is one of his own and he feels the need to defend. ponga is a great player and if he went about things differently and gave mal a call or went through the appropriate channels, things may have resulted differently.

[@charlessiale3402]

Always noticed and appreciate how these guys can agree to disagree and still have a laugh. Agree with Joey tho.

[@kainoizking]

I don’t blame Ponga. I agree with Freddy. It’s the games fault. For decades the game has prioritised the domestic product over anything else. Stunting the growth of the international game to the point now where no country’s are even interested in hosting world cups and players are willingly making themselves unavailable for international selection. The NRL sacrificed the international game in return for a good domestic product and now League will never be the global sport that it should be.

[@FreddyFlack]

This whole ponga thing is no different to the guys who choose to play for island nations over Australia/New Zealand. If origin wasn't a thing, would kalyn have chosen NZ due to having Maori parents?

[@kainoizking]

Doubt it. Making the Kangaroos in league is like making the All Blacks in union. It’s a status symbol almost as much as it is an achievement. Players want to be capped for the most prestigious teams that they’re available for, and being capped for Aus is probably the most prestigious thing in League other than a Dally M.

[@winningtakescareofeverythi8438]

@@kainoizking Making the ABs is far more prestigious

[@kainoizking]

@@winningtakescareofeverythi8438yeah. The Kangaroos are leagues equivalent though I mean.

[@paulmitchell6485]

​@@kainoizkingno it's not the same. Every single kiwi boy grew up wanting to play for the All Blacks. A handful of Aussie boys only would grow up with the dream of playing for the Kangaroos

[@kainoizking]

@@paulmitchell6485 I mean, speaking from a kiwi perspective it is true that all kiwi boys grow up wanting to be an AB. I just assumed any Aussie lad who played league would have aspirations of making the Kangaroos. They’re the most successful and prestigious international team so idk, I thought that would be the go lol didn’t grow up in Aus though so I’ll have to take your word for it.

[@peterhall6656]

The general rule in employment law is that courts do not supervise employers' decisions to force employees to work. The practical reality is that if an employee does not want to work, to supervise the alleged non-performance at a judicial level is simply impractical. Courts just don't do it. So what happens is either termination, or some form of contractual penalty like suspension, or some form of monetary adjustment. Before Kalyn opened his mouth this should have been legalled to within an inch of its life. If you join the army etc it is not an employment relationship (it is "service" ) and you cannot say "I do not want to be shot at".

[@warrenturner397]

That has been the case for the 53 years I've been an Industrial Relations Consultant/Advocate. One of the main problems I think is that players like contracts when it suits them and then try to argue against something they don't like. They don't seem to understand that they are EMPLOYEES. It's also about time clubs start enforcing contracts (never happen though).

[@DarkMagician-105]

Just call in sick, case closed 😂

[@aarronrobinson5543]

If ya use half the aussie players from the last years final game of shame vs NZ this year and being 1st played in Christchurch this year well would you wanna be on that team ? Then look over the build of this years NZ team its pretty solid for there player's during this seasons NRL . P.S any chance during a show please compare the current 2 teams. Looking forward to see it live. Really enjoy ya show lads cheers

[@44shots6worlds]

Players wanna be on that team no matter what repping your country is every kids dream of you do sports

[@geomet1311]

'Oh of course Joey is going to defend Ponga, it's a Newcastle thing'. (Everyones thoughts )

[@l1999-x1k]

I firmly disagree with you here, people complaining about players getting injured yet it's due to the evolving intensity of the game. I too defend Ponga as prioritisation of player health is way more drastic to the continuity of the evolving game, rather opting out to playing in tour matches

[@jamespeacock8665]

Well Newcastle supporters liked the statement for sure.

[@XaydenHopkins-td7pd]

Yeah I did like it ponga has won a comp with Queensland and Australia he wants to win one for his club what is the harm in that

[@geoffreyrose1620]

Ponga had injuries though out the year, and I'm a Bulldog

[@joshloreto2676]

I disagree this isn't the draft.

[@DrayDrayn]

26 rounds for a demanding sport like rugby league in this day of age of high performing athletes is a lot of load on the body. I think the NRL shouldn't ask much if a player says he's exhausted come the end of the season.

[@Kiwiinoz]

Why would you penalise a player who doesn't at this stage wish to play for the roo's why would you even wanta player whom doesn't wish to play their are a stackload of quality fullbacks who can play and want to so easy pick them. A penalty in games money or anything would just be ridiculous and make others think hmmm maybe that game does not have players interest at heart. Just itself

[@jest3167]

If you owned a chain of 17 restaurants and you're hosting an end of year event and you have to select a crew to cater for it and one of your chef's who's already missed half the year off work says nah i don't want to come you'd sack him

[@diekurtdie]

@@jest3167 nah, you got it all wrong mate. he missed half the season for newcastle and he wants to rectify that by not playing rep football so he can be fit for next season for the club who pays him millions of dollars. He doesn't want to play for australia for 1 tournament for which he probably gets paid $20k per game. Your point would only apply if he had played half the year for australia

[@jest3167]

@@diekurtdie Who pays the Knights ? The Knights are simply one of the 17 restaurants in case you couldn’t wrap your head around that 🤣

[@jude305]

Cheers Freddy💀⚡️

[@TheJuanvegas]

Joey using Jamie Lyon is a bad example. He quit the NRL in his prime, never mind rep footy, and went to St Helens for 2 years. He didnt care if he didnt get picked for origin again, hated the spotlight

[@danch1691]

If Ponga doesn't want to play for Kangaroos, then make him ineligible for state of origin too. Whole original point of state of origin was a trial for the national Australian team ie the Kangaroos

[@peterpiper7951]

I'm a QLDer and agree.

[@Br0wnCh3]

If it’s in the contract, you do it. If not in contract, do what ever u want

[@SlaintheMhath]

Sharks forced to play away last week, Panthers forced to play away this week and the Panthers rebuilt stadium is only 25k so they will probably be forced to play away in the future. Home games are a serious advantage, especially in a knock out final.

[@katejean7899]

FRUCHE FLEX FIERCE Fab xx ❤

[@Troydeboi]

10:44 Yeah love Johns passion on this issue of Ponga. If he doesn’t want it he doesn’t want to. The season is ridiculously too long. The NRL has got the season completely wrong all in an attempt to profit a touch more.

[@bunyipz2040]

I'm sure that bloke blowing the sax was in "the lost boys"

[@Onda-v1t]

Ponga may not want to be sitting on the bench while the Roos figure out whether they want Teddy or Dyl as the sweeper.

[@youchwb6005]

Yea, like Ponga has a chance of being picked ahead of Edwards.🤣🤣🤣

[@Selladora777]

Why is no one talking about the situation with Jack Wighton a couple years back? He “retired” from the NSW jersey, not under medical grounds or anything, no one said anything about it then…why is the Australian jersey different?

[@julianchambers2580]

Not burning yourself out before the next season is loyalty to the game…. Less nrl more rep footy would make it more rewarding to represent your country

[@canwelook]

You don't have to make players "want" to play origin or top tier tests. Rule: If judged fit to play, you play or you sit out your next NRL game. Let players choose whatever fits. Please uncouple state of origin qualification rules from national team qualification rules - letting Ponga and others play for NZ and SOO.

[@peterpiper7951]

They should only let Aussie eligible players play Origin then there will be none of this mess.

[@benoh8321]

So Kalyn prioritises the nrl…and the nrl want to punish him for it? Another crooked take from Valandiddly 😂😂😂

[@JackH2254]

If anything, it should be a fine or a salary deduction rather than a ban.

[@Shayne-H]

Lets not forget Ponga nearly retired earlier in the year because of concussion! What happens if he is forced to play, then cops a major wack in the head and is forced out for months or potentially retirement due to another concussion... there's plenty of other fullbacks that can fill the spot or the 14 if that's where he was going to be selected, they are making so much more out of this then they need to!

[@asp9214]

Good to see the goats show some emotion about the game 🤌

[@wayne9080]

Who's the goat on that panel???

[@FieldPlug]

I reckon it makes sense to be harsh. Because if Ponga was to sit out of it then it’s setting a precedent and soon heaps of players will do it. I wouldn’t pick him period anymore tbh, clearly doesn’t wanna rep Australia

[@andrewturk6562]

He is no lose Teddy is the fullback

[@teaspoons5942]

Pretty simply the game needs to treat players with more respect and players need to sacrifice some money for better conditions. 22 nrl games a year should be max with 3 origins and 3 tests max. Longer periods between games for more rest. Higher quality games, performance and that leaves more demand. Start the season in April and finish in September like it used to be.

[@Feeds_]

Because channel 9 wants to sell rugby league to the pacific nations should have nothing to do with Kalyn ponga. Ponga has played 63% of possible games for the knights over the last 3 seasons, the workload is already taking its toll, and now they’re considering punishing a player, already struggling with workload for not being an nrl salesman? That’s ridiculous.

[@macetaylor69]

What about all the panthers players over the last 4 years how many games have some of them played? 4 grand finals so far, World Cup, pacific cup, state of origin?

[@12from121]

good on him international league doesn't mean that much.

[@C9H0S]

And our coach was a Queenslander. 🤭🏉🏆🤣 "I saw it on the classic"

[@philliprobinson2902]

Good work man

[@nsatan461]

So he can tear his ACL and goodbye Knights season........For what. Salary cap doesn't work and make teams even its Melb v Penrith.......... How many years in the past decade is Melbourne, Roosters or Penrith in the GF.

[@leannecaton1673]

Love these guys.

[@markwhelan9887]

I'm not sure that they can enforce someone to play rep football, if he knows his body and thinks its to much physicaly and he thinks he needs a certain amount of rest in order to be fresh and ready for the next season.

[@Simon-says1768]

Joey not being biased 😂😂😂😂. What is so special about KP? What if every player chose to not play for Oz because of loyalty to their club, then there is no more test footy.

[@SKINNY_HUMAN]

I 100% back ponga. And im a doggies fan. Joey is not bias. Joey is just speaking facts

[@melecklabs5753]

Look, you can’t force someone to play which is one thing however the consequences of that means that player will have less respect earned because he doesn’t have the same level of pride in his sport or his country.

[@Dmillseye]

Its the NRL's fault for making Origin the pinnacle. Kiwis choosing Origin for the money, look at Howarth he played for Kiwi A's last year and now pledge allegiance to Australia because he wants to play for QLD

[@coolcraig112]

"You can't make anyone who works for you do what they don't want to do" - you ever had a 9 to 5 Joey? You ever heard of a boss telling people what do to? Most of us have jobs where we have to do things that we don't want to. He has no idea of the real world.

[@michaelferguson387]

Does Ponga and his manager not have access to his own contract!!!!

[@warrenturner397]

Only when it suits them apparently

[@yessirrr5182]

I agree with johns

[@dripryan58]

Although I think they are crying over nothing , Isn't there a duty of care from the club to inform Ponga of the situation? Why did they release a statement when surely they knew the contractual obligations with Rep Footy , It seems they have thrown Ponga under the bus as well.

[@johno9761]

Ponga clearly has more of a affinity towards NZ cos if he was ALL IN on Australia he would’ve played for them by now. He’s been around for a while now and he’s never played for the Kangaroos, yet his family and himself during that time have talked about how it would be a “dream” to play for the All Blacks. He’s clearly saying he feels more Kiwi than Aussie.

[@44shots6worlds]

You do realise in those times he could've there was better FBS right? You're acting like he had the chance every season he's barely had the chance

[@davidcork1317]

I agree with Joey they want it both ways. Bye the way Ponga has had too many head knock injuries , almost ended him, let him have time off considering all that is now known about CTE.

[@leeroy896]

Love awe Andrew johns is right about this U should no be made to play if U don't want to. And he should not be punished he's done a whole season and he getting a bit older now and wants to rest up and try win a season for Newcastle.

[@garyrichards5570]

LOL, Newcastle will be lucky to make the 8 next year anyway. Plenty of other fullbacks that can fill the postion for Australia.

[@andrewturner5449]

French top flight union players play 30 games a year and they would never turn down a chance to play for France,when they were fit.

[@lynettemahoney1710]

The only reason they are playing in the pacific is MONEY.Ponga is a full back,would he have been picked as a full back ahead of Edward’s I don’t think so.

[@AliKaks]

If Ponga plays for the Kangaroos and gets knocked out/injured, he should sue the ARL as they seem dissatisfied with his choice to not play for the Kangaroos.

[@jayannan9897]

Match fitness is better than practice fitness. It's counterproductive to lose your edge from playing compared to pre-season training. He's only worried about injury and money which is fair enough however he could get smashed in the first season game at Newcastle for the same result....😉 Also if all footy players take 2 months off its still equal anyway because it doesn't matter when they holiday, it's a matter of being game fit. For me there's no substitute for playing...how many teams have lost a grand final after one week off??

[@taiyonatiare7918]

This is so stupid. The journos are having a sook saying a ban or suspension when Mal has literally come out and said he’s fine with the decision. Do they want ppl who don’t want to play on their squad?

[@sachad964]

to not want to play for your country, unless injured is as disgracefull as Ben simmons not wanting to play for Australia in Basketball. he should not be allowed to play any rep footy next year and should never be allowed to play for Australia no matter how many fullbacks are injured

[@benoh8321]

He doesn’t owe Mal/the Kangaroos anything, especially if he’s feeling underdone and feels he would do a disservice if he was selected

[@useruseruseruseruser790]

@@benoh8321These players kind of do owe something to the game. They are extremely well paid and get of other benefits and in those circumstances it isn’t all about them. There are obligations.

[@benoh8321]

@@useruseruseruseruser790 Not to represent your country 💀 that’s why it’s called “selections” and not “inductions”…it’s voluntary

[@useruseruseruseruser790]

@@benoh8321 You don’t understand what I said. There are certain obligations in situations when you are being paid so much more than the average person.

[@benoh8321]

@@useruseruseruseruser790 you don’t understand what a “selection” is

[@jayannan9897]

Get rid of interchange. 4 reserves and if you come off that's it. There'll be less injures because the players will be trained different for endurance and power, instead of just 15-20mins of power. Fatigue will set in meaning more points and attack in the last 10-15 mins of the half with less injures because the guys aren't as powerful and more fatigued. Win win😉👍✌

[@peterpiper7951]

The ARL created this situation by allowing players who wish to represent other countries play origin. Ponga chose origin knowing the rules wouldn't allow him to play for Kiwis, and now he is regretting the situation it has created. Origin needs to go back to being only for Aussie players. Solves all these problems. Nothing against Kaylyn and I understand, but he's putting himself above the rules of the game.

[@CJH94]

Got too used to it being a guaranteed win for Australia because the best international players all played for the kangaroos and they were playing against basically reserve grade players it was all fun and games then. Now the teams have evened out slightly with players choosing to play for the kiwis and their heritage nation instead no one wants to play. That is possibly the most aussy thing ever.

[@xpsylentzer_8039]

if Ponga doesn’t want to play, just play and throw the game 😂

[@jesselidster4901]

Tame Impala should open for the new Perth teams first game. Also would be good for grand finals.

[@MidCrap69]

All these old school pundits saying “all I wanted to do as a kid was play for Australia” is not the same for this generation. Every kid of this generation wants to play for their favourite footy team and win a premiership, and fair enough!

[@leannecaton1673]

Don't be disrespectful. If it wasn't for these "pundits", the game wouldn't be what it is today.

[@MidCrap69]

@@leannecaton1673 haha oh Leanne, pundit literally means ‘expert in a chosen field or subject’. Stop looking for an argument when you don’t even know what you’re taking about

[@leannecaton1673]

@MidCrap69 trust me, I'm not looking for an argument - why is it not the same for this generation?

[@davidpetrina4438]

Of course you can't make him play but what you can do is refuse to select him in the future

[@peterfairbrother3218]

Gentlemen, To address your question around All Blacks selection policy. A player must be playing in New Zealand to be picked. Playing in domestic competitions around the globe makes the player ineligible.

[@abdul_grizzley]

Joeys right if he doesn’t wanna play pick someone else. It’s up to the coach and player

[@TeeJy145]

Every year Joey goes for the team facing Penrith in a GF (If they make the gf this year). He said Parra would win in 22 and last year he leaned towards the Broncos🤣

[@noworries3641]

How about this, go through the process of getting an exemption rather than deciding to just set your own rules. Poor management and a bad look.

[@gcdragon2558]

It's all about money. If the clubs are paying the big dollars, then they should have the final say. As a dragons fan, I'm sick of seeing Hunt play like a champion for qld and rubbish for the team who's paying him.

[@badabing8152]

Forcing him to play would be hilarious. After 80 minutes the stats read: Ponga: 18 knock ons, 13 forward passes, 3 runs for 2 metres (Latrell numbers) Please force him to play NRL. Would be absolutely hilarious watching him mail it in out of spite. Forcing someone to play lmfao what a joke. Force Walsh the cat to play instead of painting his nails pink and causing a ruckus overseas. LMFAOOOOOOOOOOO

[@lesm350]

What doesn't Joey understand about contractual obligations 😂 , please someone explain to him what he has apparently forgotten. Contractual law 101 , get Ponga's ass on the field or fine his ass .

[@danielvermeer3363]

I think he needs a good break from footy without being forced through injury. The best thing he can do is not go into camp and train full contact, rest his body and his brain, and not listen to what people think. Give the bloke a break. He deserves it. With all the talk about player welfare and trying to prevent CTE, i think its best for Kaylyn to trust his instincts and listen to no one but you and Adam Obrien. And possibly his doctor

[@deborahvenet-sanos8584]

Im with Ponga, hes had bad head knocks hes played for Australia ,he don't need to take years off his career with this rep, Contract states hes totally within hes rights .

[@JaydeJackson]

The sooner they get rid of this Thompson guy, the sooner this podcast goes back to its former glory.

[@sliccric2266]

"let him go to rugby union then" Joey reckons.. can guarantee he wouldn't turn down an All Blacks jersey 🤷

[@TrevorManetoa-w5g]

I agree with Joey. Someone in the club leaked it before he can go through the proper channels.

[@honestpat7789]

Ponga wants to play for NZ. But he also wants to play for QLD, because it’s the pinnacle. Obviously he relinquishes that privilege if he pledges his allegiance to NZ 🤷‍♂️ Once again, Joey is off his head 😏

[@lukedpk4557]

I wish more players were like ponga I watch for club football not internationals

[@markymark2509]

I think knights are worried he might cop a bump and have the lights go out again. He's so vulnerable to that now that he has been knocked out multiple times. Even the experts are saying a move to 5/8 defending in the line would likely end his career.. He's on huge money so Knights are just trying to protect their investment. Fair enough... Talk of off season prep to win a comp is a bit silly. Knights do not currently have top 4 capable halves or a genuinely dominant, creative hooker... That's why they're watching the best spines in the NRL play deep into the finals on TV... They hold their own in the forwards but so do many other teams... Look at the spines for Storm, Penrith, Roosters (before Sam did an ACL), even the Sharks... All these clubs have halves, fullbacks and hookers that would rate from 8 to 10 as spine players... Poor old Knights send the Armaguard truck to Ponga each week and spend what's left over on other clubs discarded "utility" players who rate 6 to 8 max when they play in the halves... No, I don't think it's about prepping for 2025 premiership glory at all... They just want him to avoid unnecessary risk... So would I... Just Sayin,...

[@lynettemahoney1710]

Who wants singing at a grand final?Put some junior footy game on give the kids encouragement to want to play their in a final when they get older.

[@JackH2254]

Time to stop referring to rugby union as just ‘rugby’. It belittles our version of rugby. The Rugby World Cup should also be changed to the ‘Rugby Union World Cup’. It’s fine to refer to both sports as Rugby, but you should clarify with ‘league’ or ‘union’ if someone further inquires.

[@Iceblade_84]

At the end of the day you cant and shouldnt make a player play for a rep team if they dont want to. And they shouldnt be banned from nrl matches or fined. BUT he should be banned from all rep matches for twelve months, including the kiwis if he really wants to play for them. What makes the international jumper the highest honor is the players that want to be in the jersey. If he wants to play for the kiwis then he should go do that.

[@janicewilson-tx4ck]

Money is the issue when hear former footy players talks about footy the real values is family 💯 percent

[@LordBangaGaming]

The health of the players comes first. Period. Nrl Season needs to be shorter to allow these games not to mention player injuries. What if he got injured for games that “don’t make money” sounds silly tbh. Also Gus Gould would of handled it better 🎉

[@sachad964]

Tigers to make top 4 2025

[@LordBangaGaming]

The health of the players comes first. Period. Nrl Season needs to be shorter to allow these games not to mention player injuries. What if he got injured for games that “don’t make money” sounds silly tbh

[@danielmackenzie8790]

Ponga could come out as a serial killer and Joey would still think the sun shines out his ass