**Star Player Prioritizes Club Over Country**
In a surprising move, top athlete Kalyn Ponga has announced that he will not be available for national team selection, opting instead to focus on his club’s pre-season training. The decision comes as a shock to fans and officials alike, as Ponga had previously been a key player for his country.
Ponga informed his club, Newcastle, of his decision on Tuesday, citing his desire to return to training with his teammates in November as the primary reason. This move marks the second time Ponga has made himself unavailable for national selection, having also skipped State of Origin last season due to injury concerns.
This time, however, Ponga’s decision is driven by his ambition to win a championship with Newcastle. “Anything less than a championship is not success in my eyes,” Ponga stated. “My goal has always been to win a premiership with Newcastle, and I want to be remembered as a great signing who represented our community to the best of my ability.”
Ponga’s decision has significant implications for national team selection, particularly at the fullback position. With Ponga out of the running, James Tedesco is now a strong contender to retain his spot as captain and fullback for the upcoming Pacific Championships. However, Tedesco’s position is not yet secure, as other players such as Dylan Edwards and Reece Walsh are still in the mix.
One player who will not be in contention is Tom Trbojevic, who is expected to miss the end-of-year Tests due to a shoulder injury. Despite his talent, Trbojevic’s absence will be felt, particularly in the centre position.
Ponga’s decision to prioritize his club over his country has sparked debate among fans and officials, but the athlete remains committed to his goal of winning a championship with Newcastle. With his focus squarely on the upcoming season, Ponga is determined to make a positive impact on his club and community.
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