State of Origin 2020: Kalyn Ponga’s surgery deadline revealed
Queensland is holding its breath for Kalyn Ponga who has delayed making a decision on whether to go under the knife before or after the Origin series.
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Kalyn Ponga will meet with a specialist on Thursday before deciding if he will be available for Queensland and potentially miss the start of the NRL season as a battered Queensland side again delayed naming a squad.
Ponga needs to have shoulder reconstructive surgery which will sideline him for between three and five months.
Having the surgery this month will almost certainly mean he will be right by the time next season resumes which a planned round one kick-off o March 11.
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However, if he does make himself available for the Maroons-coached Wayne Bennett and play well into next month then that could jeopardise his start for round one and almost make it impossible for Ponga to feature in any pre-season matches.
Ponga, who had discussions with Knights officials on Tuesday, suffered a labral tear in his shoulder which hampered him in the back half of the season.
Titans fullback AJ Brimson is the frontrunner to replace Ponga at fullback with Valentine Holmes unavailable for the opening game because of suspension.
Kalyn Ponga will require shoulder reconstruction surgery after scans revealed a torn labrum (cartilage) in his shoulder, could miss Origin (via @MichaelChammas). Has been playing with the injury for weeks, see this commonly in NRL (play through then reco surgery in offseason)
— NRL PHYSIO (@nrlphysio) October 5, 2020
Could attempt to play through for the Origin series, but risk of further damage & how the injury affects his performance needs to be considered. Usually 3-5 months recovery, if he delays surgery til post Origin will leave him at risk of missing the start of 2021 season.
— NRL PHYSIO (@nrlphysio) October 5, 2020
The Titans are expected to be rewarded for their good season with Brimson and Moeaka Fotuaika likely to make their Maroons debut. Winger Phillip Sami is also in contention to make the squad.
Titans-bound back-rower David Fifita was ruled of Queensland selection because of an ankle injury while veteran Josh McGuire is struggling to retain his place in the squad with reports the 14-game Cowboy has been overlooked.
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The injury-ravaged Queenslander’s were expected to name an extended squad from clubs no longer in finals contention on Tuesday but that was further delayed as they struggle to find 27 fit players.
Doubts remain about the fitness of Cameron Munster while Michael Morgan, Kyle Feldt, Anthony Milford are out. Moses Mbye is expected to be passed fit.
Originally published as State of Origin 2020: Kalyn Ponga’s surgery deadline revealed