LeagueNews.co | Cooper McEnroe
Kalyn Ponga has admitted he was sad he couldn't make Mal Meninga's Kangaroos squad for the Pacific Championships, but has signalled his intention to return to the State of Origin arena next year.
Ponga put together one of the all-time runs in the second-half of the 2023 season to win the Dally M award and best fullback of the NRL.
The fullback's form was devastating for the Knights, but Meninga could not find room for the Dally M winner in his Kangaroos squad.
Meninga went with incumbent James Tedesco, despite the form of both Ponga and Broncos young gun Reece Walsh in 2023.
And in an all-time upset, Michael Maguire's New Zealand hammered the Kangaroos in the Pacific Championship final.
And Ponga has admitted his disappointment in not being selected after his best season in the NRL.
"Yeah I was to be honest.
Obviously playing at the highest level is a goal of mine.
And always will be.
But in saying that, no bad blood.
I wasn't disappointed at Mal, I was disappointed I didn't make it," he told Channel Nine.
Ponga is ready to show Meninga he deserves the No.1 green and gold jersey for next year, but the real battle will start for the Maroons fullback position.
This year, Billy Slater made the sensational call to blood 21-year-old Walsh in the No.1 position.
Walsh was a standout in the State of Origin arena as he led Queensland to a 2-1 series victory.