#NRL

[@aluong1990]

Ponga should be allowed to step away from Australia. But the ARL and QRL will be allowed to not pick him again. No shortage of fullbacks for either.

[@FreddyFlack]

It's because when it comes to internationally, ponga is a Kiwi at heart. If origin wasn't a thing, he would've picked NZ immediately.

[@SkeletorsSon]

You know Ponga do you? Did he say that to you? F wit you are

[@jarradmorgan8549]

@@SkeletorsSon he is Maori though haha.

[@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

[@thenamesgould]

You’re looking at this from a very Australian viewpoint. For players with a Pacific or NZ background, Origin doesn’t rate at all. Tests are the peak. And that’s probably over 50% of the NRL.

[@dreadlord5581]

"What if he did a knee playing for Australia" - What a stupid statement, what if ANY of the players do a knee. As for Newcastle paying his wages, well sure they do, BUT the NRL gives every Club the entire salary cap (and more) and in the contract (negotiated with the Players Association) it clearly states that players are to make themselves available for Rep teams.

[@markymark2509]

I think knights are worried Ponga 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,...

[@paulmitchell6485]

That hiding the kiwis gave to the Kangaroos has made you lot crazy

[@kevinwaters5872]

Carr won’t find an NRL club willing to risk signing him.

[@mm2222-u3w]

coincidence that he was in sydney with cooper johns on a bender ,then all of sudden hes wrecked after big week partying ,the old Larry Ender tuesday come down ,im pulling out of the pacific nations .last week before Larry arrived he was all sweet ,coincidence ?

[@jackthelab6755]

It's pretty obvious he has a Ta Moko but no southern cross tattoo

[@paulmitchell6485]

The obvious part is his last name mate

[@jackthelab6755]

@@paulmitchell6485not really That's just inherited from his father

[@jarradmorgan8549]

@@jackthelab6755 which is his effin’ name you special person

[@jackthelab6755]

@jarradmorgan8549 born in Western Australia You gronk

[@jarradmorgan8549]

@@jackthelab6755 he is a Maori you special person. Haha

[@LT-sz1fj]

Didn’t Shaun Johnson do it and no fuss? Is it only because he’s Australian

[@HelenHay-vf3fc]

As a 16yr old playing for rugby league our team won the GF,our coach at the time before the game said,if you win the GF today boys I’m going to buy every player a Jersey of your choice..out of 17 players 16 chose the Australian Jersey,I guess our morals have changed along the way somehow

[@guesswho6925]

Questioning pongas loyalty and yet the blues key positions are taken up by Samoan reps??

[@danielrichardson3613]

If he's not keen then why try and force it? Just punishing the bloke for being honest.

[@mm2222-u3w]

that statement is all BS he just wants to party while he can before next season and doesnt give a shit about playing for Aus .knights aren't winning a premiership because he doesnt play for Australia .

[@wayne9080]

It's not a tough one. It's clear he should be available ! Who in their right mind in any sport would turn down an Australian jumper! Go woke go broke ! Stop making excuses! He will NEVER win a premiership with newcastle!