Kalyn Ponga gone, Billy Slater announces Queensland selection bombshells

Billy Slater has announced a massive overhaul to the Queensland team for the State of Origin series opener with several bombshell selections.

3 min read

May 22, 2023 - 1:11PM

Kalyn Ponga has been snubbed. Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images.

Kalyn Ponga has gone from hero to zero in a Queensland State of Origin bombshell.

The Newcastle superstar was on Monday morning dropped from the Maroons team for the State of Origin series opener in Adelaide on May 31.

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The QRL announced widespread changes for the 2023 series after the team stunned NSW to win the Shield last year.

The massive selection calls reportedly went right down to the final minutes on Sunday night with Ponga and Newcastle teammate Dane Gagai having their names scratched from the squad following their uninspiring performances in the Knights’ loss to Cronulla on Saturday.

Gagai, who has been a cult hero for the Maroons, is now facing the fact his Origin career is likely over at the age of 32.

The QRL has confirmed in a statement Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow nudged Gagai out in the battle for a spot in the centres, while Selwyn Cobbo and Murray Taulagi are expected to be named on the wing.

When rumours first emerged about Gagai’s selection snub, NSW selector Greg Alexander said it was “disrespectful” to the gun centre who has consistently delivered for Queensland.

It comes after NSW coach Brad Fittler on Sunday made several huge selection gambles of his own with Nicho Hynes set to win the bench utility position. It means Souths hooker Damien Cook is set to miss out completely after it emerged Api Koroisau has won the battle for the Blues’ No. 9 jumper.

Kalyn Ponga was the Game 3 hero last year. Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images.

Queensland is pushing ahead with Reece Lightning. Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images.

Meanwhile, Slater and Maroons officials reportedly have concerns and fears surrounding the health and wellbeing of Ponga as the Knights star struggles to find form.

It has not helped things that Ponga’s 2023 season has been derailed by a series of scary head injuries.

Ponga missed six weeks earlier in the season after a round two concussion and has suffered four concussions in the space of 10 months.

Despite his lacklustre form for Newcastle this season, Ponga’s track record as being the state’s biggest hero from the 2022 series decider was expected to see him being given every chance by Slater to retain the No. 1 jumper. But the Maroons mentor has been forced to turn to Broncos rising star Reece Walsh.

Queensland selection crisis prompts one of state’s biggest shake-ups

Jai Arrow and Thomas Flegler have earned recalls for the series opener as the state reels from injuries and suspensions.

Dolphins enforcer Felise Kaufusi was on Sunday hit with a three-match ban for a swinging arm to the head of Christian Welch.

Queensland also survived a scare on Monday with Tino Fa’asuamaleaui only hit with a fine for dangerous contact on Reed Mahoney in the Titans’ loss to the Bulldogs.

Felise Kaufusi pushed things too far yet again. Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images.

The Titans star has been named on the bench by Billy Slater after being hit with a grade one charge.

Former NSW coach Laurie Daley on Monday morning said it would be a big blow for Queensland if Kaufusi and Fa’asuamaleaui were ruled out.

“The Queenslanders say they’ve run into a bit of trouble with Felise Kaufusi put on report and Tino might run into a bit of trouble today,” Daley said on Sky Sports Radio.

“I tell you what, if they lose those two players – while they’ve got some depth – those two players will be sorely missed from Queensland.”

Slater’s pack will see Flegler and Lindsay Collins start at prop with Tom Gilbert, David Fifita and Pat Carrigan making up the back row.

As expected Ben Hunt has been named to wear the No. 9 jumper, dropping Harry Grant to the bench.

Fifita’s re-call is one of seven changes from the side that claimed the series last year with Ponga, Gagai, Corey Oates, Tom Dearden, Josh Papalii, Kurt Capewell and Jeremiah Nanai all missing.

Queensland team for Game 1

1. Reece Walsh - Brisbane Broncos

2. Selwyn Cobbo - Brisbane Broncos

3. Valentine Holmes - North Queensland Cowboys

4. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow - The Dolphins

5. Murray Taulagi - North Queensland Cowboys

6. Cameron Munster - Melbourne Storm

7. Daly Cherry-Evans (C) - Manly Warringah Sea Eagles

8. Thomas Flegler - Brisbane Broncos

9. Ben Hunt - St George Illawarra Dragons

10. Lindsay Collins - Sydney Roosters

11. Tom Gilbert - The Dolphins