Kalyn Ponga opens up about controversial toilet cubicle incident

NRL star Kalyn Ponga has opened up about the toilet cubicle incident involving teammate Kurt Mann.

The incident happened late last season while both players were on the Newcastle Knights injury list.

The controversy unfolded after the team’s fixture against Brisbane in round 22 at Suncorp Stadium, where the pair were filmed leaving a Hotel Delany cubicle together.

The 24-year-old has maintained that he ‘was sick’ and that’s why he and Mann had entered the cubicle together.

However, in breaking his silence over the incident he admitted that he should have put himself ‘in that position.

"I shouldn't have been out in the first place." 👎 Kalyn Ponga has spoken out about the toilet cubicle controversy from last year and taken full responsibility for his error of judgment.#9WWOS #NRL pic.twitter.com/EMA1yHKosO

— NRL on Nine (@NRLonNine) February 13, 2023

He told reporters, via Yahoo Sports: “I was in the wrong putting myself in that position and I shouldn't have been out or anything like that in the first place.

“It was a period that I look back on and I think it's probably one of the most pivotal moments in my life. I've put things in place now that will help me be a better person and hopefully be a better leader as well.

"I've reflected on my responsibilities as a leader and learned so much from that time. I just want to set new standards, be a better leader for this team.

"I know how much this town cares about the team and about the success of the club and I want to show that we also care as well."

Neither Mann nor Ponga were punished by their club nor the NRL after the Integrity Unit conducted an investigation into the incident.

Both were seen with drinks in their hands, despite being injured, but denied any illegal activity.

When asked why Mann had accompanied him to the cubicle, Ponga replied: “He was there to help. It was the food I had earlier.

"I can't go back and change anything. The only thing I can do is live in the now and learn from that lesson. (There's been) a lot of self-reflecting over the off-season."

The Knights player says he vows to be aware of his actions outside of the footy field and will make it up to his team.

He added: “I always support the boys, always support my teammates, and they know how much I support them at all times.

"I can see the frustration from the fans but I just want them to know how much I do care.”

Newcastle general manager Peter Parr denied the club ‘swept it under the carpet’ as the NRL Integrity Unit had conducted a ‘thorough investigation’.