Maroons star Kalyn Ponga cleared for State of Origin I after shaking off injury

The Maroons have received a massive boost ahead of Origin I, with Kalyn Ponga cleared to play after overcoming an injury concern that saw him sidelined at Queensland training.

The Maroons have received a huge boost with superstar Queensland fullback Kalyn Ponga declared a certain starter in Origin I this Wednesday night at Suncorp Stadium.

Ponga took a major step forward on Saturday when he took part in his first full training session since arriving in Camp Maroon with a minor quadriceps complaint on Tuesday.

The Newcastle skipper sat out Queensland’s first training run on the Sunshine Coast on Tuesday, seen wearing sand shoes as he watched the Maroons go through their paces.

In recent days, Ponga has gradually increased intensity, doing light running away on his own away from the Queensland squad.

But the Dally M sensation rejoined the Queensland group on Saturday afternoon and ran well in the strongest sign yet he will get the green light from Maroons medicos for the series opener.

Kalyn Ponga has been declared a certain starter for the Maroons in Origin I after shaking off a minor quadriceps complaint. Picture: Getty Images

Maroons coach Billy Slater is banking on Ponga’s backfield class after his incumbent fullback, Broncos flyer Reece Walsh, was ruled out of Origin I with a knee injury.

Queensland utility Tom Dearden is confident Ponga will take on the Blues in his first game in the Maroons’ No.1 jumper in 1050 days.

“He will be right to go,” Dearden said.

“He missed the first couple of training sessions, but he will be ready to go next Wednesday night.

“It’s just the type of player he is, he won’t miss a beat.

“Kalyn has been in this team a few times so he knows what to do when he is out there.”

Ponga (L) with Maroons coach Billy Slater. Picture: Getty Images

With Ponga sitting out the first three days, Dearden has had some cameo stints at fullback, underscoring the Mr Fixit role he will play off interchange in the Queensland No.14 jumper.

Supporting starting hooker Harry Grant shapes as Dearden’s primary assignment and the Cowboys co-captain has been finetuning his dummy-half skill set.

“Harry has been really good,” he said. “The one thing is making sure you give good quality service and that’s the most important thing about playing at dummy half.

“I am making sure I nail my service at dummy half.

“Billy (Slater) just said to me I have to be ready to play anywhere and that’s the role of the utility player.”

Originally published as Maroons star Kalyn Ponga cleared for State of Origin I after shaking off injury