Australian FB for end of year tests?

[frankLauda]

Though I post this question as there’s some discussion about it currently in the media. See one yahoo poll attached.

Everyone needs to put there Knights bias aside when selecting! I’m leaning towards Ponga. Edward’s 2nd, Teddy 3rd.

The question I ask myself here is could Teddy or Edward’s do what Kayln did for the Knights and get us to the finals and if not for a pass should have beaten the cows?

Ponga does not play in these superstar teams, Rooster and Panthers that have strike across the park. So teams put most of there defensive plans to stop Kayln.

Now I might be a bit premature here as Teddy had an amazing game on the weekend, and was thinking to reserve judgment when they play Melbourne. The same with Edward’s how he goes in the last two games. That’s what Mal would be thinking l say.

Media are saying Edward’s is playing with an injury, but let’s say he will be good to go.

 

[slotmachine]

Edwards if fit.

 

[mozza]

Tedesco and Edwards are solid club players who do a great job within their individual systems. Ponga as a footballer is on a different planet to both of them and if fit has to be the Australian Fullback.

 

[Billy]

Take all 3 and play whichever is fit. All 3 carry injuries most of the time and are great when fit.
I'd say take Turbo as well, but he'll never be fully fit again.

 

[jamesgould]

As a Kiwis fan, it’s a position we don’t have to worry about so much if you select Tedesco, will be on alert if Edwards is there, but will be panicking if Ponga is at the back. You just don’t want to be dealing with that threat for 80 minutes.

 

[Battler]

If Mal plays the loyalty card and picks Teddy, he's approaching Brad Fittler lunacy. Do we not remember last years final? We scored zero points. None. As James suggests, I'm pretty sure which one NZ don't want picked at FB. They have to put Ponga there.

 

[BETTERTHANLEGO]

I hope they do pick ponga even though I’d be super nervous he’d pick up an injury and miss a portion of the season again. But I think from what he’d get from playing the whole series at fullback with so many high quality talents it’d be worth the risk. He’d come back to us on another level.

 

[Still_Nutty]

Selfishly I'd say pick anyone but Ponga at fullback...

It will be interesting to see though if Mal adds him to the squad more for utility value than specifically to be the starting fullback.

Let's be realistic though, EVERYBODY in commentator land are just gushing about what Ponga brings to a team and acknowledge his freakish ability, particularly in attack.

On a personal level, it would be great to see him play in his favoured position in a representative side that oozes quality, giving him an ability to truly shine at an elite level and really see what he is capable of

 

[Joshhh]

I think Edwards would probably get it based off reputation, incumbent Origin fullback and Panthers premiership superstar. But I think if you were trying to genuinely pick the best team Ponga would have to be the choice. He would be at another level playing in a side like the Kangaroos and I think it would be clear if he got the nod. But yeah Edwards will probably get it.

 

[Sheent14]

Edwards plays his role in a team full of stars, at international and club level. I think he's the best fit for that team. Ponga definitely deserves it aswell, but it will take a bit more wiggling around team structure etc to fit Ponga's play style in.

 

[Wagyu Patty]

Ponga has withdrawn from representative selection

 

[jamesgould]

So weird, I heard an interview with him a few days ago where he said he couldn't wait to get a chance.

Almost feels like his heart isn't in the Kangaroos, he still hasn't played a game for them. Come to the Kiwis, Kalyn ... your home is waiting for you.

 

[mullenmagic]

Kalyn Ponga Statement

nib Newcastle Knights Captain Kalyn Ponga has today informed the Club he will be removing himself from eligibility for international selection for the Australian Kangaroos this year.

www.newcastleknights.com.au

All the reports were that he was at least going to be in the squad so pretty surprising.

 

[BETTERTHANLEGO]

Wont have to worry about him getting injured then just stay out of the cubicles Kalyn!

 

[jamesgould]

It's quite sad to see his career go by without representing at the highest level.

 

[ApperceptionJosh]

Heart attack at first, thought he was signing with chooks or something hahaha

 

[Kurriboy]

Such a shame.

 

[Wagyu Patty]

It's quite sad to see his career go by without representing at the highest level.

I think in terms of intensity and status State of Origin is actually played at a higher level than international rugby league. The only games that come close are Aus V NZ, although a few of the Pacific Island Nations are beginning to grow and improve.

On paper international rugby league should be the highest level but I'd actually put Origin a peg higher.

 

[Joshhh]

Kalyn Ponga Statement

nib Newcastle Knights Captain Kalyn Ponga has today informed the Club he will be removing himself from eligibility for international selection for the Australian Kangaroos this year.

www.newcastleknights.com.au

All the reports were that he was at least going to be in the squad so pretty surprising.

Sounds very focused on that premiership. There was definitely a switch that flicked in him a few years ago now where you could tell he wanted to become the best player he could rather than being this cruisey dude who has a lot of things outside of football. He's been steadily getting more and more influential, between the injuries. The Cowboys game he was taking the game on like a superstar should, knowing the game is in his hands. He seems ready to be that leader we need. Reality is though, Ponga could go nuclear next season, but if we don't have the cattle around him, it will probably fall short in the big games. Next year is huge for the trajectory of Ponga's reign at the club.

 

[jamesgould]

I think in terms of intensity and status State of Origin is actually played at a higher level than international rugby league. The only games that come close are Aus V NZ, although a few of the Pacific Island Nations are beginning to grow and improve.

On paper international rugby league should be the highest level but I'd actually put Origin a peg higher.

The Australian side is picked from the two Origin sides (minus the Pacific players) so is clearly the highest level. And they still manage to get beaten 30-0! Oops!

What the highest quality game is is a different discussion, obviously Aus vs PNG or whoever isn't going to match Origin.