Mal Meninga can't hide 'disappointment' over Ponga call as V'landys calls out 'disrespect'

Kangaroos coach Mal Meninga said "disappointment" remains over Kalyn Ponga's decision to withdraw from Kangaroos selection, despite having a conversation with the Knights star about the reasons behind his decision.

As several leading figures in the game expressed unease over the call, which could ultimately lead to an NRL ban next year for shunning the national jersey, league boss Peter V'Landys staunchly backed what he called Meninga's vision in "restoring what it means to play for Australia."

Ponga's decision to prioritise Newcastle pre-season over the upcoming Pacific Championships is an issue the NRL has not dealt with before. Every NRL contract states the player must make themselves available for representative selection, and if selected, play if not injured.

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Meninga said Ponga's decision still stings even though he spoke to the star player. Along with the news itself, Meninga was not impressed with how the message was sent.

"I was disappointed not only that Kalyn made the decision that he was unavailable for the Kangaroos but also the process which led to the decision and the announcement.

"I have spoken to Kalyn since and while I understand his intent, it doesn't erase the disappointment in the decision.

"I'm pleased that Peter V'landys has come out so strongly, and I support the game in ensuring that there is a proper process around players being ruled out of playing for their country."

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Like Meninga, V'landys was unapologetic about what playing for one's country means and the need for current NRL players to do their bit to help promote the international game.

League bosses want the NRL to spread its wings internationally, having invested in the Las Vegas venture, the Pacific Championship and the arrival of a potential PNG franchise.

"We expect our players to honour their commitments to the game, and one of their commitments to the game is if you are selected for representative duties, you play," V'landys said.

"The Australian jumper is the pinnacle of the game. When I was a kid, that's all I used to go to bed dreaming about, wearing the green and gold for Australia.

"Mal Meninga has done such a good job in restoring what it means to play for Australia and wear the green and gold. From my perspective, there's no greater honour than representing your country in anything.

"You have to protect the tradition of all the Kangaroos who have worn that Australian jumper with such great pride. You have to protect those who have lost blood, sweat and tears in wearing that Australian jumper. It's one of the highlights of their career."

At 26-years-old, Ponga has played eight games for the Maroons since 2018 but has never represented the Kangaroos, despite representing the Junior Kangaroos and Australia at nines level.

V'landys said he wasn't being critical of Ponga but players can't "disrespect" the Kangaroos jersey by pulling out of selection.

"In my youth, being selected in the Australian team was the greatest honour you could ever achieve, and they played accordingly," V'landys added.

"To be fair to Kalyn, I don't think Kalyn realises that, he's only a young guy. I'm not being critical of him, I'm just expressing how important it is to be selected for Australia.

"I think if he sat down with Mal Meninga, he would want to play for his country.

"The Australian jumper is sacrosanct, you can't disrespect it. At the end of the day, he may not get selected, but he should make himself available."

While Ponga wants to focus on winning a premiership for Newcastle, V'landys believes playing for the Kangaroos can help him achieve that goal.

"The experience you get from being around the elite players is invaluable," he added.

"You learn from them, you get mentored by them. If he was in the team with the likes of Nathan Cleary and Isaah Yeo, you're going to learn leadership skills and a multitude of things. There are massive benefits to him personally.

"But for me, the Australian jumper is non-negotiable. If someone asks you to represent your country in anything, you should do it."