Queensland team news: Kevin Walters names squad to tackle Blues in Sydney

QUEENSLAND coach Kevin Walters says the selectors could no longer ignore the form of Newcastle sensation Kalyn Ponga, after the young gun was named in an 18-man squad for Origin II. SEE THE TEAM

Kalyn Ponga has been named in the Maroons squad for Origin II.

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QUEENSLAND coach Kevin Walters says the selectors could no longer ignore the form of Newcastle sensation Kalyn Ponga, after the young gun was named in an 18-man squad for Origin II on Monday.

Ponga will make his Maroons debut at ANZ Stadium on Sunday, with Walters confirming that he will have a place in the 17.

The 20-year-old has been brought in over Game One utility Anthony Milford after a stunning start to his first season with the Knights.

Kalyn Ponga has been named in the Maroons squad for Origin II.

Walters said Milford didn’t do anything wrong in Origin I but Ponga’s form was stronger and the selectors could no longer ignore the potential he has for the team.

Ponga is expected to be the bench utility and Walters said they had a few ideas of how to use him against NSW in the must-win match.

“He’s been playing some good football for the Newcastle Knights,” Walters said of Ponga this morning.

“He’s been knocking on the door.

“I don’t think Anthony got lost in the game ... but we have some plans around how we want to use Kalyn.

“For Kalyn it’s a great opportunity.

“He’s been the standout in the competition. We understand he’s going to be a long-term player for Queensland. He’s earnt the right (to play).”

Ponga was picked ahead of Anthony Milford for Game II. Picture: Brett Costello

Walters and his Queensland selectors in Gene Miles and Darren Lockyer named an 18-man squad with prop Dylan Napa under an injury cloud.

He aggravated an old ankle injury on Friday night, with Storm enforcer Tim Glasby brought in as cover for Napa.

Walters said a decision will be made on Napa early this week but they are confident fullback Billy Slater (hamstring) will be fit for the showdown.

QUEENSLAND SQUAD FOR GAME TWO (LIKELY STARTING 17):

1. Billy Slater

2. Valentine Holmes

3. Greg Inglis

4. Will Chambers

5. Dane Gagai

6. Cameron Munster

7. Ben Hunt

8. Dylan Napa

9. Andrew McCullough

10. Jarrod Wallace

11. Gavin Cooper

12. Felise Kaufusi

13. Josh McGuire

Reserves:

14. Kalyn Ponga

15. Coen Hess

16. Josh Papalii

17. Jai Arrow

18. Tim Glasby

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Originally published as Queensland team news: Kevin Walters names squad to tackle Blues in Sydney