Queensland Origin team 2021: Kalyn Ponga’s injury replacement revealed

Kalyn Ponga is out of the opening Origin match forcing Queensland to call in a debutant and reshuffle their backline.

Kalyn Ponga, State of Origin – 2021 NRL – 2021 QLD Training, 2021-06-01. Digital image by Scott Davis � NRL Photos

Queensland superstar Kalyn Ponga is out of Origin I.

In a crushing blow for the Maroons, Ponga has been officially ruled out after failing to convince Queensland doctors he can carry an injured groin into the series opener against NSW in Townsville next Wednesday night.

Queensland doctors have been in dialogue with Knights medicos over the past 48 hours with Ponga expected to leave Camp Maroon in the coming days to return to Newcastle for treatment on his niggling groin complaint.

Ponga’s scratching opens the door for Valentine Holmes to start for Queensland at fullback in a reshuffle that will see Holmes’ Cowboys clubmate Kyle Feldt make his Origin debut on the wing on his home turf at Queensland Country Bank Stadium.

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Kalyn Ponga is out of Origin 1. Picture: Scott Davis/NRL Photos

Ponga was publicly bullish about his chances of playing just two days ago but not everyone in Camp Maroon, including coach Paul Green, shared the fullback’s confidence as he raced the clock to get the green light.

The Maroons confirmed Ponga has run out of time to prove his fitness.

“Kalyn has been progressing with his rehab but time is against us and the decision has been made for him to return to the Knights where he can focus on further recovery,” Maroons doctor Matt Hislop said.

Coach Green will assess several options when Queensland return to training on Thursday.

Contrary to reports, Eels hooker Reed Mahoney is still in camp and could debut as the No.14 utility if Green decides to elevate AJ Brimson into the fullback position.

The other option is for Holmes to start at fullback, which would enable Feldt to make his debut on the Maroons’ left flank.

Ponga did not travel to Bundaberg on Tuesday for Queensland’s fan day as he stayed behind in Camp Maroon for treatment on his groin injury.

The Maroons did not train as a side on Wednesday but Ponga was asked to undergo individual testing and failed to inspire confidence he could withstand 80 high-octane minutes of Origin I.

Kyle Feldt is set to make his Origin debut.

There were some fears Ponga risked a major breakdown - and extended time on the sidelines - if he took a gamble against the Blues in Townsville.

Ponga hasn’t played since injuring his groin against Canberra on May 8.

The Maroons maestro told media on Monday he is in a “good position” to play Origin I, but given the demands of running at fullback, Queensland coach Green wanted to take every precaution.

“He’s got to tick some boxes. He is in a bit of doubt,” Green said on Monday.

“Val Holmes plays fullback and AJ (Brimson) played fullback (for Queensland) last year so we have a few options there (if Ponga is out).”

Originally published as Queensland Origin team 2021: Kalyn Ponga’s injury replacement revealed