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Knights superstar Kalyn Ponga has reportedly indicated he’s willing to put his hand up to represent the Maori outfit in the annual All Stars clashon February 15.
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Ponga has previously played twice for the Maori All Stars, featuring in 2019 and 2020, and Knights football director Peter Parr revealed that he’s set to take part again in 2025.
“When I spoke to him about it, he indicated he was keen to play,” Parr said to the SMH.
“I haven’t heard any different, so I expect he’ll play.”
The decision comes after Ponga announced he would be unavailable for the Kangaroos in the 2024 Pacific Championship series, hoping to focus solely on the Knights’ pre-season campaign.
As per the rules, players must be available for representative football unless injured or if they have a legitimate excuse.
Ponga also reportedly didn’t inform Australian coach Mal Meninga of his decision, which was met with widespread criticism in the rugby league world.
However, Ponga backflipped on that call after then speaking with Meninga, but was ultimately not named in the Kangaroos squad that won the Pacific Championships title.
“My intentions never had any malice. I was just trying to do what I thought was best for me and the club,” Ponga said to AAP at the time.
“I understand I went about it wrong. But I think it’s all sorted now.”
Ponga’s decision to devote his full attention to the Knights was an attempt to give back to the club he’s now captain, earning a reported $1.4 million per-season.
Alongside the Kangaroos, the 26-year-old qualifies to represent Queensland in the Origin arena, but between the ages of eight and 13, the gun fullback lived in Palmerston North in New Zealand.
