“We would have picked him last year, but he indicated he still wanted to play Origin,” Peters said. “‘Madge’ [Maguire] had a conversation with him. We haven’t approached him again this year. It was just a conversation we had last year. He is a Kiwi, but he’s also eligible for Australia, too.”

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It has since emerged Ponga might not have been able to play for New Zealand anyway, given he represented Australia in a World Cup Nines tournament in 2019.

Ponga has previously spoken about his desire to represent the All Blacks if he ever seeks a code switch to rugby union, and his latest move will only cast doubt on whether he ever wants to represent the Kangaroos.

The ARLC is weighing up whether to sanction Ponga for pulling out of Australian contention without an injury given the NRL rules determine players who are fit need to be available for representative commitments.

On Wednesday night, Meninga said: “I was disappointed not only that Kalyn made the decision that he was unavailable for the Kangaroos but also the process which led to the decision and the announcement.

“I have spoken to Kalyn since and while I understand his intent, it doesn’t erase the disappointment in the decision.”

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