Billy Slater in huge Queensland State of Origin team backflip
Queensland coach Billy Slater is reportedly set to axe multiple stars as part of a shake up for the State of Origin series decider.
Kalyn Ponga is reportedly set to make his return to the State of Origin arena for the first time in 24 months.
The Newcastle fullback will reportedly be selected by Queensland coach Billy Slater as part of a team selection shake up for the State of Origin series decider against NSW at Suncorp Stadium on July 17.
Ponga’s expected return will be one of the biggest gambles Slater has made in his young coaching career.
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Slater is being forced to make some changes after his team was blown off the park by the Blues during Game 2 at the MCG.
Ponga is making his NRL return for the Knights on Sunday against the Raiders after finally overcoming long-term foot injury.
The Daily Telegraph first reported Ponga will be selected in the bench utility role in jumper No. 14 — if he gets through 80 minutes against the Raiders without any further injuries.
According to the report, Reece Walsh will keep his position at fullback with Slater to instead use Ponga off the bench.
Ponga will reportedly be joined on the bench by Titans star David Fifita, who was controversially overlooked for the first two games of the series.
Veteran Felise Kaufusi and Kurt Capewell will reportedly be axed to make way for the pair.
The other big change reportedly set to be announced by Queensland on Monday is for Selwyn Cobbo to replace injured Storm winger Xavier Coates on the wing.
Slater was remaining tight-lipped when asked about his selections on Channel 9’s Sunday Footy Show.
“I don’t have any headaches at the moment,” he said when asked about issues picking out-of-form Cowboys star Valentine Holmes in the centres.
He went on to discuss concerns surrounding hooker Harry Grant’s fitness while also admitting he has been keeping a close watch on AJ Brimson and Reed Mahoney as he finalises his plans.
Slater did his best to avoid discussing Ponga’s expected inclusion.
“The first thing I’m looking at for Kalyn is hopefully he’s got a big smile on his face,” he said.
“He’s missed a whole heap of footy. It was great to see Tom Trbojevic is back in the game. We want to see our best players playing the game.
“Hopefully, he’s fit and he’s playing this afternoon, He’s been a big part of the Queensland team for a number of years. He missed last year and was in great form at the start of the year.
“He’s just got to get back on the field and start playing footy.”
Ponga was reportedly considered for a role on the bench in the 2024 series opener before he suffered a Lisfranc injury which kept him sidelined since Round 7.
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