Queensland Origin great Kerry Boustead urges Kalyn Ponga selection

A MAROONS Origin great has urged Queensland selectors to ignore Kalyn Ponga’s lack of experience or age and pick him for game two, even if Billy Slater is passed fit.

Kalyn Ponga walks out for the Queensland captain's run prior to the game at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on June 5. (Photo by Michael Dodge/Getty Images)

PICK Kalyn Ponga. That is the advice to the Queensland selectors from one of State of Origin’s greatest players, diminutive winger Kerry Boustead.

“Don’t worry about age. I was 18,’’ Boustead recalled after being plucked from Innisfail to play for Queensland against international heavyweight wingers Terry Fahey and Mark Harris during the pre-Origin interstate series in 1978.

Kalyn Ponga scoring a try for the Knights. (Photo by Tony Feder/Getty Images)

Boustead said a lack of experience or age should not hold back Ponga from making his Origin debut in the second match in Sydney on June 27.

Boustead, a veteran of 25 Tests for Australia, said he would pick Ponga on the bench if Bailly Slater was fit for the second Origin, or at fullback if Slater was ruled out through a hamstring injury.

Kerry Boustead in full flight for Queensland in an Origin.

“I would not be discouraged because of his age (20 years),’’ said the 25-Test veteran, who at 18 years and 310 days, became the young player to play for Australia.

“Like me, he has been playing since he was six years old.

“He has put a lot of time and effort into it.

“It (doubt) is just how he reacts to a big game and the thought process when he is confronted by the big fellas.

“But he has proved himself on that side of it now.

“It is well worth giving him a run. He is a very, very talented player.’’

Kalyn Ponga is a past student of Anglican Church Grammar School. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)

Boustead stressed Slater, if fit, should be the first choice fullback but Ponga could play a role off the bench.

“He is the type of player you could turn into a half or five-eight (off the bench), have him as a ball distributor.’’

Boustead said Ponga, an old boy of Anglican Church Grammar School, had enough experience.

“He has been around long enough. He has played with quality players in the under 20s and under 18s. He has spent a lot of time playing against the big boys (this season for Newcastle) as well.’’