‘Not in a good place’: Ponga’s blunt Origin response as O’Brien admits ‘we’re in a funk’

Kalyn Ponga gave a telling answer when asked if his team’s poor form could cost him at the Queensland State of Origin selection table.

Knights fullback Kalyn Ponga has admitted he’s “definitely not happy” with how his team are travelling, when asked whether Newcastle’s poor form could cost him at the Queensland selection table.

The Knights suffered a 28-6 loss to Parramatta at McDonald Jones Stadium, which was their fourth straight defeat at home.

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Newcastle’s attacking woes continued - they didn’t trouble the scorers until the 74th minute when winger James Schiller went over.

When asked whether the Knights’ woeful form could count against him when it came to Maroons selection, Ponga was blunt about how his team are travelling.

“I’m definitely not happy with the way we’re going here,” Ponga admitted in the post-game press conference, which you can watch in the video above.

Kalyn Ponga and Adam O'Brien.

But he made it clear that he wanted to be picked, and his chances of earning Queensland selection are improved given that Broncos flyer Reece Walsh is sidelined with a knee injury.

“I want to be there obviously. It’s a prestigious jersey. It’s an honour to wear (the Queensland) jersey,” Ponga added.

“I would love to be in that arena again.”

Knights coach Adam O’Brien was blunt in his assessment of his team’s performance.

“Clearly disappointed with the result,” O’Brien said.

“We understand that (we’re) not in a good place.

“We’re in a bit of a funk, for lack of a better term.”

Ponga conceded the Knights were learning the hard way.

“People are learning some harsh lessons, that’s for sure,” Ponga said.

Originally published as ‘Not in a good place’: Ponga’s blunt Origin response as O’Brien admits ‘we’re in a funk’