BREAKING: Kalyn Ponga has been provisionally SUSPENDED from NRL after testing positive to doping test…

As of February 22, 2025, there is no credible information or reports indicating that Kalyn Ponga, the Newcastle Knights captain, has been provisionally suspended from the National Rugby League (NRL) due to a positive doping test. The latest available information pertains to an incident from August 2022, where Ponga and teammate Kurt Mann underwent drug testing following an ejection from a pub toilet cubicle. However, the results of these tests were not made public, and no subsequent suspensions or doping-related issues have been reported concerning Ponga.

In August 2022, Kalyn Ponga and Kurt Mann were involved in an incident at a Newcastle pub, where they were ejected from a toilet cubicle. Following this event, the NRL conducted drug tests on both players. The results of these tests were kept confidential, in line with the NRL’s policy on illicit drug testing. As a result, there was no public disclosure of any positive tests or subsequent disciplinary actions. citeturn0search2

It’s important to note that the NRL has a strict policy regarding illicit drug use, which includes a three-strike system. Under this policy, the first positive test results in a warning and counseling, with the player’s identity remaining confidential. A second positive test leads to a mandatory 12-week suspension. Given that no public information has emerged regarding a second positive test for Ponga, it is unlikely that he has faced any suspension related to doping.

In September 2024, Kalyn Ponga made headlines when he announced his decision to make himself unavailable for selection to represent Australia in the upcoming Pacific Championships. This decision drew criticism from NRL officials, including ARLC chairman Peter V’Landys, who expressed disappointment over Ponga’s choice. V’Landys confirmed that the NRL would investigate Ponga’s decision, though he did not specify whether this would result in any suspension or sanction.

As of now, there is no information linking Kalyn Ponga to any doping-related issues or suspensions. The most recent incident involving drug testing occurred in August 2022, with no subsequent reports of positive tests or disciplinary actions. Therefore, any claims of a recent doping suspension for Ponga are unfounded and not supported by available evidence.