nib Newcastle Knights Captain Kalyn Ponga has today informed the Club he will be removing himself from eligibility for international selection for the Australian Kangaroos this year.
Kalyn has made this decision to ensure his sole focus is on an uninterrupted preseason, aiming towards starting the preparation for the 2025 National Rugby League Premiership season from the first session with his Club.
The Knights fullback confirmed his desire to put all his efforts towards the Knights winning a Premiership, starting from day one of the new season.
“I want to win a comp, for me anything short of that, isn’t success,” Ponga said.
“My focus has never shifted from wanting to win a Premiership with the Knights, that has been my goal since I joined the Club in 2018 and continues to be my focus.
“When I’m done, I want to look back at my career with a positive reflection, including people saying he was a great signing and represented our community to the best of his ability.
“For now, I don’t feel like I have earnt that yet, that’s why I have made this decision and will work hard every day to chase those goals."
Kalyn will take his required break and then shift focus to being ready to play the maximum amount of NRL games in 2025.
The Newcastle Knights support the decision that Kalyn has made and will respect his request for no further commentary on this matter.
