NRL information: Kalyn Ponga’s shock Kangaroos statement as NRL gamers make informing get in touch with Dylan Edwards

Kalyn Ponga has actually waived a prospective Kangaroos jacket in order to concentrate on providing the Knights an evasive NRL premiership. On Tuesday, the fullback informed Newcastle authorities that he did not want to play in the end-of-year Tests for the Kangaroos, as it would certainly decrease his NRL pre-season.

The choice follows Ponga likewise made himself not available for State of Origin last period, after returning from a lengthy job on the sidelines adhering to a trauma. And while there are no such injury issues this time around, Ponga is hopeless to return for the begin of Newcastle’s pre-season in November along with his colleagues, as the club wants to improve back-to-back finals looks.

“I want to win a comp, for me anything short of that, isn’t success,” Ponga stated onTuesday “My focus has never shifted from wanting to win a premiership with the Knights, that has been my goal since I joined the club in 2018 and continues to be my focus.

“When I’m done, I intend to recall at my occupation with a favorable representation, consisting of individuals claiming he was a terrific finalizing and represented our area to the very best of his capacity. For currently, I do not seem like I have actually earnt that yet. That’s why I have actually made this choice and will certainly strive each day to go after those objectives.”

Ponga missed two-and-a-half month this year through a foot injury. But when he returned from the layoff he lifted the side to what was an unlikely finals berth with 50 tackle busts and seven try assists in his last six games.

NRL players name Dylan Edwards as the best fullback

The Queenslander’s withdrawal means James Tedesco‘s chances of holding onto his spot as Australia’s fullback and captain for the Pacific Championships have been significantly boosted. However, many believe that Dylan Edwards should instead get the chance in the No.1 jersey.

Edwards replaced Tedesco in the NSW State of Origin side this year and was outstanding for the Blues in their series-clinching Games 2 and 3 victories – after being ruled out of the opener with injury. Many saw it as a changing of the guard moment and Tedesco even admitted that his time representing the Blues at Origin level may be a thing of the past.

And this week Edwards was voted by his peers this week as the best fullback in the NRL in a further representation that he deserves the chance to be the Kangaroos No.1. Reece Walsh took out the honour last year but has had an indifferent season with the Broncos in 2024, while Tedesco and Edwards have both been key to their teams’ progression to the preliminary finals.

< figcaption course=" caption-collapse

caas-jump-link-heading”>Dylan Edwards was picked at fullback in the 2024 NRL Dream Team ahead of the likes of James Tedesco and Reece Walsh. Pic: Getty

While Edwards has been outstanding in 2024, many believed the Roosters No.1 would likely receive the honour as he has been outstanding for the Roosters this season after playing in a whopping 24 games for the Chooks, scoring 17 tries, averaging 201 running metres and producing 24 try assists.

He also put in a man-of-the-match two-try display in last weekend’s semi-final victory over Manly to set up a prelim showdown with the Storm in Melbourne on Friday night. And the Roosters veteran is also well liked and respected across the NRL.

But Tedesco has once again been pipped by Edwards after being overlooked for selection in the Rugby League Players’ Association’s Dream Team for 2024. All contracted NRL players are able to vote for one player in each position to make up the dream team, with one impact player also selected to make up the 14-man squad.

And according to his peers, Edwards is now officially the best fullback in the game after a superb, albeit injury-affected season for Penrith. Edwards has played six less games than Tedesco and also trails his rival fullback in several key areas such as tries (10) and try assists (7). But Edwards is averaging an extraordinary 228 running metres, in a perfect illustration of his tireless workrate for the three-time reigning premiers.

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Tedesco has previously been picked at fullback in the Dream Teams in 2017, 2019, 2020 and 2022, before Walsh claimed the award last year. Edwards is one of four Penrith players voted onto the 2024 Dream Team, alongside Brian To’o, Jarome Luai and Isaah Yeo. But it’s his selection ahead of Tedesco that could be the most telling, with both star fullbacks battling to win selection in Mal Meninga’s Kangaroos side for the Pacific Championships, starting in October.

“>Cameron Smith picks Dylan Edwards as Kangaroos No.1

But despite Tedesco being the incumbent Kangaroos No.1 and captain, NRL great Cameron Smith confidently declared, “I’d go with Edwards” < figcaption course =" caption-collapseKangaroos caas-jump-link-headingTests cameron-smith-picks-dylan-edwards-as-kangaroos-no1Blues at fullback for theMichael Maguire' end-of-seasonDylan Edwards I believe there's a clear choice made when (Smith instructor)Breakfast chose Vossy for the NSW side," Brandy informed SEN

“When Edwards was fit again, he took back that jersey and was able to go on and win the series for NSW.” Smith with Meninga &(* ). Tedesco acknowledged that Kangaroos & is a really dedicated guy and can be unwilling to change(* )when his

But Smith: Meninga likewise kept in mind that New Zealand might require to tremble points up after in 2014’s 30-0 loss toPacific Championships in the last of the”Off the back of last year’s loss… I think he (Meninga) wants to go with what is the best possible line up for Australia,” Smith

The included. Pacific Championship 2024Brisbane collection starts in October onAustralia 18th, with Tonga having fun Kiwis to begin with prior to a face-off with the October on The 27. November last is slated for Sydney’s Commbank Stadium 10 at

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