Australian League star abandons political plans

Australian rugby league star Mal Meninga has given up plans to enter politics, making a dramatic announcement during a radio interview this morning.

Only a few minutes into the interview on ABC radio in Canberra, Meninga stopped in mid sentence before telling the interviewer: "I'm sorry. I have to resign."

He then left the studio, but returned to tell listeners he hoped he hadn't made a fool of himself.

He said he had been trying to convince himself that his future was in politics.

"I started realising that I wasn't being honest with myself."

The former Canberra Raiders coach and Australian Test captain had started the interview by talking about his desire to do community work and his intention to run for office in the ACT.