Newcastle coach Nathan Brown says fullback Kalyn Ponga is ready for Origin football
NEWCASTLE coach Nathan Brown says it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to realise rising fullback Kalyn Ponga is Origin ready.
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NEWCASTLE coach Nathan Brown says it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to realise rising fullback Kalyn Ponga is Origin ready.
You only had to watch Ponga’s classy performance at Brookvale Oval on Friday night to see why Brown has full faith in his star No.1.
With chief playmaker Mitchell Pearce sidelined with a pec injury, the 20-year-old delivered the decisive play to help the Knights beat Manly.
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Ponga went to the line, attracted two defenders, before delivering a perfect ball for winger Nathan Ross to score and seal a remarkable victory.
Watching on from the stands, Brown was ecstatic with his flying fullback’s match-winning effort.
It’s why the Knights mentor believes Ponga possesses the skill, vision and toughness to represent Queensland if coach Kevin Walters believes it is his time to take the next step.
“The thing is, Kalyn is going to do it one day,” Brown said.
“If he doesn’t do it this year, without putting any pressure on the kid, I think we can all agree it is going to happen for him.
“Between Mal and Kevie, Queensland have had a wonderful plan in place where they transition these blokes into Origin.
“When they go in, they seem to play well and stay there.
“That is a great trait of what they’ve done.
“And if they decide Kalyn is ready this year, then we’ll certainly support them 100 per cent, but if they decide he needs another year, then that is the way it is.
“But I think everyone can see he is a big heartbeat in our team and all the boys love having him.
“As I keep saying, though, he is a better kid than he is a player.”
For the rebuilding Knights, this is exactly the type of personality they need to return the club to its glory years.