Kalyn Ponga has made the shock decision to make himself unavailable for Australian selection, instead prioritising a pre-season at Newcastle.
Ponga notified Knights officials on Tuesday that he did not want to play in end-of-year Tests for the Kangaroos, as it would reduce his pre-season at the Knights.
The decision comes after Ponga also made himself unavailable for State of Origin last season, after returning from a long stint out following a concussion.
There are no such injury concerns this time, with Ponga instead desperate to return for Newcastle's pre-season in November alongside his teammates.
"I want to win a comp, for me anything short of that, isn't success," Ponga said.
"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 want to look back at my career with a positive reflection, including people saying he was a great signing and represented our community to the best of his ability.
"For now, I don't feel like I have earnt that yet. That's why I have made this decision and will work hard every day to chase those goals."
Ponga missed two-and-a-half month this year through a foot injury, and did not reach the heights of his 2023 Dally M form until August.
But he roared back to life late, taking the Knights to the first week of the finals with 50 tackle busts and seven try assists in his last six games.
The Queenslander's withdrawal means James Tedesco has firmed in his chances to hold onto his spot as Australia's fullback and captain for the Pacific Championships.
Tedesco was dropped from NSW's State of Origin side this year, but his replacement Dylan Edwards has since battled a knee injury.
Edwards has not yet been made unavailable for post-season selection, but there is every chance his knee may need a rest after a tough campaign that began with the World Club Challenge in England.
Maroons fullback Reece Walsh has also gone off the boil late in the season.
Manly No.1 Tom Trbojevic would likely have been an option at centre for coach Mal Meninga, but he too is expected to miss the end-of-year Tests due to his shoulder injury.