State of Origin: Returning Maroons star Kalyn Ponga’s retirement revelation

Kalyn Ponga’s surge to last year’s Dally M Medal and return to Queensland’s Origin team were almost scuttled after revelations he feared retirement during a concussion-enforced absence.

Kalyn Ponga has revealed he feared retirement during a concussion-enforced absence from the Origin arena that ultimately inspired a triumphant comeback with the Maroons.

Newcastle superstar Ponga and clubmate Dane Gagai are Queensland’s comeback kids for Origin III - two years after the pair inspired the Maroons’ epic series win in the last Suncorp decider.

But Ponga admits there were times when he questioned if he would ever play at any level again following the slew of concussions that left his NRL career in limbo last season.

After four head knocks in 10 months, Ponga was sent to Canada for concussion testing and agreed to stand down from Queensland selection following a candid chat with Maroons coach Billy Slater.

In the absence of Ponga, Broncos superstar Reece Walsh arrived as an Origin star at fullback, starring in the opening two games to seal back-to-back titles for the Maroons.

But with the Maroons searching for some spark in the wake of their dismal 38-18 loss in Origin II, Ponga is back in Maroon - and grateful for his stunning surge to the Dally M Medal last year after his head-knock trauma.

Kalyn Ponga is back in maroon. Picture: Steve Pohlner

“It (winning the Dally M) gave me that personal validation,” said Ponga, who plays his eighth game in Origin III on Wednesday week.

“Just that the hard work and commitment does pay off.

“After the year I had, to go through what I went through with the concussions and almost having to retire, it was a nice ending to the year.

“It (retiring from the NRL) was a real reality for me there.”

Having faced his NRL mortality, Ponga has fought back mentally stronger and shapes as Queensland’s super sub who can be a game-changing force as the Maroons chase a hat-trick of titles.

Newcastle’s $6 million man says he no longer takes his career for granted and is relishing the prospect of combining with Walsh to blow the Blues off the park.

“I have been thinking about that for a little while,” Ponga said of playing with Walsh.

“It’s pretty exciting, I have visions of him going down the sideline and passing it back into me.

Queensland team for State of Origin decider.

“I love what everyone else does watching him.

“His speed, elusiveness, how exciting he is, everything.

“My job when I come on, I still haven’t worked that out, but I just have to give him the footy and let him open up I guess.

“I am excited by what everyone watches and sees.”

Having been cleared by doctors, the 26-year-old Ponga was always confident he could play Origin again, despite the brilliant Walsh being five years younger.

“I have never really doubted myself,” he said.

“I always wanted to be back in this arena and I was never going to close the door to it (playing for Queensland).

“It’s great to be back. It was a difficult period for me at the beginning and middle of last year.

“I wasn’t ready mentally and physically for this arena. I was coming back from everything that was going on with me personally, so the decision was made by Billy and myself, it was the best thing for me at that period in time.

“I have always been pretty grateful of the position I’m in.

“I’ve always had that mindset when you go to a low point, everything is good after that.

“The way I finished (winning the Dally M), I was extremely grateful, but I know what it takes now to be at the top and be the best version for myself and my teammates.”

Ponga was equally pleased with the return of Gagai, the 22-game veteran who will start at right centre and has been dubbed Queensland’s Origin specialist.

Kalyn Ponga feared his career was in danger after suffering multiple concussions. Picture: NRL

“I didn’t feel it was over,” said Gagai, who was axed for last year’s series.

“I understood the path that Queensland were taking and I guess it did, if I’m honest, cross my mind whether I’d get the call to get back in the team.

“It’s a jersey you never want to give up, but you always have to earn it, Billy is big on that, so I focused on playing well for Newcastle and being the best I could and one day getting the Queensland jersey back.

“I think my club footy has been good which has earned me this jersey back in this team.

“I know there is talk when I put on a Queensland jersey I step up, but I feel I do that at club level as well.”