Kalyn Ponga, Reece Walsh playing for Maroons fullback spot in State of Origin game III

Queensland selector Darren Lockyer has declared Reece Walsh and Kalyn Ponga have one final chance to claim the Maroons No. 1 jersey for the Origin decider. Who will win? VOTE in our poll.

Broncos superstar Reece Walsh and Newcastle champion Kalyn Ponga have been plunged into an 80-minute shootout for the Queensland No. 1 jumper for the Origin decider.

Long-serving Queensland selector Darren Lockyer says Walsh and Ponga have one final chance to stake their claims over the next 48 hours before the Maroons side is picked on Sunday night.

Lockyer’s revelation came as a rejuvenated Walsh sent a message to Queensland coach Billy Slater – declaring he won’t let the Maroons down if picked at fullback for Origin III on Wednesday week.

Ponga has had a quiet Origin series at a time when Walsh has rocketed back into contention with five-star displays against the Titans and Cronulla in his return from a knee injury.

Reece Walsh has rocketed back into Origin contention after impressing in his return from a knee injury. Picture: Getty Images

Maroons fullback incumbent Ponga will run out against Canberra on Friday night in Newcastle, before Walsh delivers his audition 24 hours later against the Warriors at Suncorp Stadium.

There is a view Walsh could bring added spark to Queensland’s backline for the Sydney decider and Lockyer says performances over the weekend could prove decisive for Maroons coach Slater.

Asked if Walsh should be picked ahead of Ponga for Origin III, Maroons selector and Channel 9 analyst Lockyer said: “I think there is a bit hinging on what happens this weekend.

“For Kalyn and Reece, they both aren’t 100 per cent fit.

“They are playing with niggling injuries.

“It’s no coincidence the Broncos are scoring points again with Reece Walsh back in the team.

“For Kalyn, the conditions weren’t great for him in Perth (heavy rain in Queensland’s 26-24 in Origin II).

“There’s always twists and turns in an Origin series (with selections) … it happens weekly and it happens daily.”

Kalyn Ponga is the incumbent Maroons fullback, but struggled for attacking opportunities in the opening two games of the Origin series. Picture: Getty Images

While Ponga was strong backing-up from Origin II in Newcastle’s 26-20 defeat of the Dolphins, he struggled for clean ball and attacking opportunities in his opening two games for the Maroons.

Walsh’s PCL injury opened the door for Ponga to win the Queensland No. 1 jumper for Origin II, but the Broncos custodian has been at the epicentre of Brisbane piling on 78 points in their past two matches.

Given he is playing with heavy strapping on his right knee, it could be a risk to pitchfork Walsh into an Origin decider, but the 22-year-old would relish gatecrashing a NSW party at Accor Stadium.

“When you are a Queenslander, that’s all you want to do,” Walsh said following Brisbane’s defeat of the Titans when asked if he was open to an Origin comeback this season.

“If Billy needs me in the squad for anything, I’ll be there and ready to go.

“If he doesn’t, I’ll still be cheering the boys and backing them at home.”

On the eve of Origin II, Ponga said he is mindful of the Walsh threat and will back any decision made by Slater and the Queensland selection panel.

“He is always nipping at my heels isn’t he?” he said.

“It’s good to see him back out there playing footy.

“You want the best players in the league out there playing and it was good to see him back.

“Walshy has things most players can’t do, so I look at other fullbacks for sure.

“The competition isn’t negative at all, I actually think it’s good for both of us

“The beauty of the Queensland culture is you support each other 100 per cent.

“I just want the best person in that Queensland jersey.”

Slater is an unabashed fan of Walsh, handing him his Maroons debut in 2023 in a baptism that saw the Nerang product chalk up five Origin games before injury struck this season.

“I know Billy would have watched the game (Origin II) a few times already,” Lockyer said. “He will have learned about his players.”

Former Queensland Origin lock Corey Parker sees merit in a Walsh recall but would be stunned if Ponga was axed.

“I thought Ponna’s game for the Knights against the Dolphins after Origin II was a pretty good one,” he said.

“They’ve got options, they could even put the ‘Hammer’ (Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow) to fullback.

“I’d be surprised if they picked Reece given his knee doesn’t look 100 per cent, but he is a great player and it’s an injury you can manage.”

Originally published as Kalyn Ponga, Reece Walsh playing for Maroons fullback spot in State of Origin game III