Meninga reveals how he found about Ponga's shock selection call

09/25/2024 11:03 PM

Australian Kangaroos coach Mal Meninga has spoken out for the first time since Newcastle Knights star Kalyn Ponga withdrew from selection or the national side.

The news sent shockwaves throughout the NRL as many saw Ponga as the favourite to be selected at fullback ahead of skipper James Tedesco.

Ponga officially declared he was "fit and able" to be selected on SEN 1170 Mower's Club on Saturday shortly before backflipping on his comments, stating his desire to focus on a preseason with the Knights.

The decision came as a shock to many, including Meninga who admitted he found out the news at the same time as the public.

"(I found out) just through the press release, unfortunately," Meninga said on SEN 1170 The Throwdown.

"That's the first I think anyone knew about it to be honest, I'm assuming the Newcastle club as well, I think this was done independently, that's my read on it all.

"I've spoken to Kalyn in confidence and that conversation will stay private."

Meninga conceded that Ponga's reasoning for withdrawing is "a fair excuse" but urged for change in the communication process for representative selection.

"I think he wants to play for his country," Meninga added.

"Just at the moment, he feels like that's not on his agenda and he made a decision that he wants to devote and repay the Knights and how they've stuck by him as well.

"I think that's a fair excuse, to be honest with you.

"I feel that it's the process that we need to improve, we need to get better communication out of the clubs and players and vice-versa, that process needs to improve.

"This is a catalyst to allow that to happen."

Meninga named his preliminary side for the upcoming Pacific Championships, with James Tedesco, Dylan Edwards and Tom Trbojevic all options for the fullback spot.