'We had a conversation': Kalyn Ponga knocked back approach to play for New Zealand in 2023
Kalyn Ponga was approached by the New Zealand Rugby League to compete in the Pacific Championships for the Kiwis last year, only to be knocked back by the Knights star.
Former NZ coach Michael Maguire put in a call to Ponga to gauge his interest about playing according to The Sydney Morning Herald, but the Newcastle playmaker said he had hopes of playing State of Origin for Queensland.
The news comes as Ponga chose to prioritise Newcastle's pre-season over Kangaroos selection.
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"We would have picked him last year, but he indicated he still wanted to play Origin," NZRL boss Greg Peters said.
"'Madge' [Maguire] had a conversation with him. We haven't approached him again this year.
"It was just a conversation we had last year. He is a Kiwi, but he's also eligible for Australia, too."
The attempt to lure Ponga to the Kiwis would have been futile, given he represented Australia in a World Cup Nines tournament in 2019.
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Ponga has previously spoken about his desire to represent the All Blacks if he ever seeks a code switch to rugby union.
The Knights superstar may not be considered for selection again and the ARLC is weighing up whether to sanction Ponga for pulling out.
"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," Peter 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."
