Kevin Walters confirms Kalyn Ponga could make his Queensland debut in Origin I

QUEENSLAND coach Kevin Walters has confirmed Billy Slater is out of Origin I with the Maroons coach considering handing young superstar Kalyn Ponga his State of Origin debut.

Slater ruled out of Origin I SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA — JUNE 02: Kalyn Ponga of the Knights in action during the round 13 NRL match between the Parramatta Eels and the Newcastle Knights at ANZ Stadium on June 2, 2018 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images)

QUEENSLAND coach Kevin Walters says Billy Slater is a shock withdrawal for Origin I with a hamstring injury in a move that could hand Newcastle sensation Kalyn Ponga his Maroons debut.

SHOCK: Slater ruled out of Origin I

Walters confirmed on Monday that Slater is a late scratching for Origin I, with the champion fullback ruling himself out just minutes after an official press conference held this morning at the MCG.

Could Ponga get a start?

Walters returned from the press conference to be told Slater had been ruled out by medicos — throwing Queensland’s preparations for Origin I into disarray.

Walters will consult Slater and skipper Greg Inglis on the final make-up of the team as Knights young gun Ponga and Broncos ace Anthony Milford flew out of Brisbane on Monday to arrive in Melbourne.

Walters told The Courier-Mail he will finalise the team at the captain’s run on Tuesday, but says Ponga is in the mix to replace Slater make a stunning Origin debut.

Slater has been ruled out two days before Origin I.

“Billy is out,” Walters said.

“We were trying to hold back from announcing it publicly but the media is too good.

“Billy was fine until yesterday. He completed training (on Sunday) but then woke up a bit sore (today) and said he didn’t want to risk it in an Origin game.

“Milford and Kalyn will be coming to camp. We’ll make a final decision tomorrow but I haven’t brought Ponga here to fill up the water bottles, he’s definitely being considered to make his debut.”

Slater was ruled out on Monday morning.

The Courier-Mail understand skipper Greg Inglis could be shifted to fullback, with Michael Morgan to come off the bench and play centre, which would see Milford or Ponga come onto interchange.

Walters insists the Slater development does not leave the Maroons in crisis.

“I always knew in the back of my mind this could happen,” he said.

Walters has a tough decision to make.

“Billy hasn’t been 100 per cent during the week and that’s why I brought Milford into camp in the event someone wasn’t right.

“I will sit down with senior guys like Billy and Greg and get their thoughts on who we play at fullback in Origin I.”

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Originally published as Kevin Walters confirms Kalyn Ponga could make his Queensland debut in Origin I