State of Origin 2018: Kevin Walters confirms Kalyn Ponga is under Queensland consideration

KALYN Ponga has surged into the frame for Origin I with Maroons coach Kevin Walters revealing the Newcastle sensation would be ready to debut in the code’s toughest arena.

Brisbane has already seen what Ponga can do. (Tony Feder/Getty Images)

KALYN Ponga has surged into the frame for Origin I with Maroons coach Kevin Walters revealing the Newcastle sensation would be ready to debut in the code’s toughest arena.

On Tuesday Walters confirmed for the first time that Ponga’s name would be discussed when Queensland selectors meet this week to finetune Maroons contenders for the series opener at the MCG.

The Queensland team for Game One is named in 26 days and Ponga, just turned 20, has rocketed onto the Origin radar following his sizzling start to the season at new club Newcastle.

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Brisbane has already seen what Ponga can do. (Tony Feder/Getty Images)

The former Cowboys young gun is a shock leader for the Dally M Medal after eight rounds and now Ponga is in the sights of Queensland hierarchy.

With injuries and representative retirements robbing the Maroons of Johnathan Thurston, Cooper Cronk, Matt Gillett and Josh McGuire, Walters says Queensland require in-form players such as Ponga.

The 20-year-old has set the competition alight (Mark Nolan/Getty Images)

“It’s hard to ignore what Kalyn is doing in Newcastle,” Walters said.

“I wouldn’t say Kalyn is 12 months away, I’m watching him now.

“His name will be discussed. He was picked in our Emerging Origin squad earlier this year and he’s been in sensational touch for the Knights.

“With the injuries we’ve suffered, we need our Origin players in form and Kalyn is in form.”

The Newcastle whiz-kid has been a revelation, amassing 1132 running metres, eight try assists and five line breaks in the opening eight rounds.

Ponga has also produced 68 tackle busts, prompting Maroons skipper Cameron Smith to declare the quick-stepping fullback a rare talent capable of playing State of Origin.

Just a year ago, Ponga was at the centre of a representative tug of war between New Zealand and Queensland, but ultimately opted for the Maroons, leading to his selection for their Emerging Origin squad in January.

Walters worked with Ponga during the camp and gleaned an insight into the class, toughness and maturity that makes him tailor-made for an Origin baptism.

Ponga has already been in the Queensland Emerging Origin camp. (AAP/David Clark)

“Kalyn would handle Origin,” Walters said.

“He is very mature for a young guy. He really impressed me with his attitude, not just talking about football, but talking about his general life.

“I don’t believe he would be overawed by Origin.

“If given the opportunity, I reckon he would be capable of handling the step up.

“I don’t know where he might end up, but I’m watching him. I’m aware of what he can do.”

With Cowboys star Michael Morgan battling for form, Ponga could be an option for the Queensland No. 14 jumper.

Legendary Maroons fullback Gary Belcher urged Queensland selectors to blood Ponga on the wing in Origin I with a view to him succeeding Billy Slater at fullback.

“I remember Slater started his Origin career on the wing before going to fullback and I think they should do the same thing with Kalyn,” he said.

“He has set the comp alight. If you are picking the team solely on form, Ponga should be there.

“It would be a great move to give him a go.”

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