The competition for the Queensland fullback position in this year’s State of Origin series has intensified, largely due to Kalyn Ponga’s stellar form, which is adding pressure on Reece Walsh. Ponga, a key player for Newcastle, has made a sensational start to the season, currently topping the Dally M leaderboard whilst leading his team to successive victories.
Last season, Ponga only played from the bench in the Origin decider, but his recent performances are catching the attention of selectors. In round two, he delivered a standout display in Newcastle’s win over the Dolphins, contrasting sharply with Walsh’s struggles in Brisbane’s match against the Raiders.
While Billy Slater, the Queensland coach, is tight-lipped about his selection choices, his comments on Ponga’s recent performance hinted at a favourable bias. He rated Ponga’s effort as “10 out of 10,” noting his significant influence on the team. Slater observed Ponga controlling the game, executing more kicks, and contributing both offensively and defensively. Ponga’s ability to create opportunities and make try-saving tackles has been pivotal in Newcastle’s early successes.
Ponga’s journey in representative football has been marked by injury challenges since his debut nearly seven years ago. On the other hand, Walsh had a strong debut series for the Maroons in 2023 but struggled to replicate that form in last year’s defeat to New South Wales. Despite some promising moments in the opening round for Brisbane, his performance against the Raiders was marred by errors.
It is important to note that Ponga and Walsh will not face each other directly until round 25, meaning their rivalry for the Origin spot will continue to play out separately in the coming months. With Ponga’s recent resurgence and Walsh still finding his footing, the selection battle for the Maroons fullback position remains fascinating as the State of Origin series approaches.