LeagueNews.co | Cooper McEnroe
Rugby League legend Mark Carroll has unleashed a verbal tackle on Kalyn Ponga, criticizing the Newcastle star's inconsistent approach to representative matches.
Ponga, fresh from snubbing the Kangaroos last year, is set to don the New Zealand Māori jersey against the Indigenous All-Stars this weekend, raising eyebrows in the league community.
The Dally M winner caused a stir when he initially withdrew from Kangaroos contention, only to backtrack and express his availability after facing backlash.
However, Ponga's about-face did not sway Mal Meninga, who omitted him from the squad.
Ponga's failure to communicate with the national coach before his decision irked Carroll, who vented his frustrations on the Nightly.com.au website.
Carroll's message to Ponga was clear: commitment to representative duty is non-negotiable in professional sports.
The former player urged Ponga to uphold the ethos of loyalty and dedication, rather than cherry-picking matches based on convenience.
Despite Ponga's claims of reconciliation with Meninga, doubts linger over his future Kangaroos prospects.
In the midst of the All-Stars showdown, Ponga finds himself at a pivotal juncture, where his actions on the field will echo louder than any words spoken off it.
Only time will tell if Ponga's sporting allegiance aligns with his ambitions on rugby league's grand stage.
The ball is in Ponga's court now, as he navigates the rough waters of representative rugby league with the eyes of the league community fixed firmly upon him.