Kalyn Ponga has admitted he erred in his botched withdrawal from Australia's Test squad race, conceding he should have contacted coach Mal Meninga first.
Ponga attempted to make himself unavailable for selection in the Pacific Championships last week, when he declared he wanted to prioritise Newcastle's pre-season.
That was met with a strong 'please explain' from the NRL, who highlighted the contractual responsibility of players to be made available for representative duties.
Meninga also aired his disappointment over the saga after not being contacted first, before Ponga eventually backflipped on the call and made himself available.
Australia's selectors will meet next week to determine their squad for the tournament, and whether to hand Ponga a Kangaroos debut as fullback.
"I got the process wrong," Ponga told AAP.
"My intentions never had any malice. I was just trying to do what I thought was best for me and the club.
"I understand I went about it wrong. But I think it's all sorted now."
Asked if he would have told Meninga first before releasing a public statement if he had his time over, Ponga said: "I would definitely make some changes".
Then asked if he was fit and mentally fresh enough to play if selected, Ponga responded: "Yes. I feel pretty good. It's all sorted now."
Meninga will have decisions to make when he names his squad next week.
Incumbent captain James Tedesco is hopeful of keeping his No.1 jumper, after being dropped from NSW's State of Origin team this year.
Dylan Edwards, his replacement at Origin level, along with Ponga, loom as other options at fullback.
Daly Cherry-Evans is likely to be the first-choice halfback, after Ivan Cleary confirmed his son Nathan would almost certainly need shoulder surgery.
Cherry-Evans had conceded last month he was unlikely to be selected if Cleary was available, but said he was keen to wear the Kangaroos jersey again.
"I'm definitely excited about potentially playing," Cherry-Evans said.
"I haven't booked a holiday, we'll just wait and see what happens. Fingers crossed for Monday."
The Manly captain said it was unlikely the series would be a representative swansong, and he expected to make himself available to lead Queensland again next year.
Off contract at the end of next season, the 35-year-old has previously said he will consider his future this summer, but expects to sign at least one more deal.
"I am always keen to keep playing," Cherry-Evans said.
"I have to weigh up how long I want to keep playing in the NRL for, and if I want to keep playing in the NRL for forever and a day, something has to give at some stage.
"But I don't think it's right now.'
