Severe weather has significantly affected Queensland’s training camp, with Kalyn Ponga currently stuck in Newcastle on the first day. Heavy rain has led to flash flooding in regions such as the Central Coast and Hunter Valley, prompting a weather alert for the mid-north coast. According to coach Billy Slater, Ponga is the only player from the Knights selected for the camp and could not arrive due to a cancelled flight caused by the adverse weather conditions.
Slater updated fans on Nine’s program “100% Footy,” stating, “Kalyn Ponga still isn’t in the camp; he’s had a bit of a mishap with a flight being cancelled due to weather down in Newcastle.” However, he confirmed that Ponga is expected to join the camp tomorrow, though the team’s training will not fully commence until Wednesday when they can focus on their game strategy.
Ponga recently reclaimed his No.1 jersey for the Maroons following an injury to Reece Walsh. Although he played off the bench in last year’s third game, he hasn’t been able to start in his usual position since 2022. In the earlier part of 2023, Walsh participated in the first two games while AJ Brimson took the field in game three. Notably, Ponga had initially ruled himself out of the series due to ongoing concussion concerns and his obligations to the Knights.
The situation underlines the considerable impact of weather disruptions on sporting commitments, particularly for key players like Ponga.