Kalyn Ponga all praise for Queensland Maroons debutant Trent Loiero

The fire has been lit for a spicy State of Origin series courtesy of a ‘hothead’ debutant who is set to bring a level of aggression that is exactly what Queensland wants.

Queensland State of Origin team set ups - 2025. Trent Loiero. Picture: Nigel Hallett

Queensland fullback Kalyn Ponga has labelled Maroons debutant a hothead who will bring the aggression his side wants from him in his State of Origin debut.

Loiero, a Sunshine Coast junior who represented the Kawana Dolphins and Sunshine Coast Falcons before entering the NRL, served as Queensland’s 18th man in game three last year but has now been named in the number 17 jersey for next Wednesday’s game one.

The 24-year-old has undergone a rapid progression in the past 12 to 18 months in his close work alongside Billy Slater at the Melbourne Storm.

Maroons fullback Kalyn Ponga said he was excited to see what Loiero could bring.

“For Trent you hear about how his teammates at the Storm talk about him and obviously watching him as an opposition player you see what sort of qualities he has,” Ponga said.

Loiero is one of three new inclusions alongside Roosters dynamo Robert Toia and Titans second-rower Beau Tremor. Picture: Chris Hyde/Getty Images.

“He’s an aggressive little hothead they say which is exactly what we want.

“I’m looking forward to going out there with him as well.”

Since moving from the edge into the middle at the start of last season, Loiero has been enjoying career best form.

Slater said Loiero’s inclusion was based on merit.

“Trent has worked hard,” Slater said on Monday.

“I am fortunate I work with Melbourne every week and have seen what he has put in over the past 18 months.”

Trent Loiero in Maroons camp in 2024. Picture: Chris Hyde/Getty Images.

Loiero has started at lock in all 10 of the Storm’s fixtures this season, totalling 85 NRL appearances since his debut in 2021.

He is one of five former Sunshine Coast Falcons (and Sea Eagles) players to be representing the Maroons in game one.

Captain Daly Cherry-Evans, hooker Harry Grant, prop Tino Fa’asuamaleaui and 18th man Kurt Mann have all represented the region.

Originally published as Kalyn Ponga all praise for Queensland Maroons debutant Trent Loiero