Kalyn Ponga is gearing up to don the Maori All Stars jersey, just months after he opted out of representing Australia to concentrate on securing an NRL title with the Newcastle Knights.
Ponga, alongside notable players such as Jack Wighton, Jamie Chapman, and Olivia Kernick, is set to participate in next Saturday’s NRL All Stars showcase, following the announcement of the men’s and women’s Indigenous and Maori teams on Friday.
His decision to rejoin the fold for the Kangaroos comes after facing backlash from rugby league icons like Wally Lewis and Bob McCarthy, along with countless fans voicing their opinions.
However, it appears Mal Meninga, the coach of the Kangaroos, did not select the star fullback for the Pacific Championships regardless.
Australia went on to triumph over Tonga 20-14 in the Pacific Cup final in November.
Despite his initial unavailability for Australia back in September, Ponga is poised to represent the Maori All Stars for the first time since 2020.
Kalyn Ponga of the Maori All Stars is tackled by Jack Wighton of the Indigenous All Stars in 2020. Getty
In just under a month, he will be leading the Knights as they kick off their NRL season against the Wests Tigers in Campbelltown.
Although Ponga has yet to make his debut for the Kangaroos, McCarthy suggests that Australia’s selectors should overrule him for good.
The Indigenous squad will be without the likes of Latrell Mitchell, Josh Addo-Carr, and Nicho Hynes for the All Stars event, while Jahrome Hughes and Joseph Tapine will not take the field for the Maori side.
Indigenous All Stars (men)
Jacob Alick-Wiencke, Jayden Campbell, Joshua Curran, Tallis Duncan, Brian Kelly, Josh Kerr, Alofiana Khan-Pereira, Dylan Lucas, Shaquai Mitchell, Tyrone Munro, Brent Naden, Hohepa Puru, Niwhai Puru, Ethan Roberts, Blake Steep, Jayden Sullivan, Jacob Sykes, Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, Connor Watson, Jack Wighton
Coach: Ronald Griffiths
Maori All Stars (men)
Jesse Arthars, Zach Dockar-Clay, James Fisher-Harris, Dane Gagai, Mawene Hiroti, Royce Hunt, Keano Kini, Jacob Laban, Jeremy Marshall-King, Jesse McLean, Kurtis Morrin, Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, Adam Pompey, Kalyn Ponga, Jordan Riki, Jazz Tevaga, Leo Thompson, Taine Tuaupiki, William Warbrick, Xavier Willison
Coach: Adam Blair
Indigenous All Stars (women)
Essay Banu, Jaime Chapman, Bree Chester, Nakia Davis-Welsh, Kirra Dibb, Quincy Dodd, Monique Donovan, Taliah Fuimaono, Tallisha Harden, Keilee Joseph, Tommaya Kelly-Sines, Grace Kemp, Olivia Kernick, Ella Koster, Bobbi Law, Evah McEwen, Lailani Montgomery, Mahalia Murphy, Jasmine Peters, Taneka Todhunter
Coach: Jess Skinner
Maori All Stars (women)
Lilly-Ann White, Annessa Biddle, Harata Butler, Kennedy Cherrington, Reuben Cherrington, Laikha Clarke, Zali Fay, Najvada George, Taneisha Gray, Tyla King, Shannon Mato, Kerehitina Matua, Raecene McGregor, Shanice Parker, Rima Pirini Butler, Ashleigh Quinlan, Tiana Raftstrand-Smith, Jasmin Strange, Pauline Suli-Ruka, Chante Temara
Coach: Keith Hanley
Compiled by SportArena.com.au.
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