Kalyn Ponga ruled out of State of Origin decider as Reece Walsh set to be recalled

Billy Slater faces a frantic search to find a replacement for the Origin decider after his star was ruled out with injury.

Queensland star Kalyn Ponga is out of the State of Origin decider in a massive blow for Billy Slater’s men.

The Knights captain left the field in distress in the 60th minute of Newcastle’s narrow 22-18 loss to the Raiders at McDonald Jones Stadium on Friday night.

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He was seen after the game in a moon boot and will go for scans over the weekend for what is believed to be a Lisfranc injury.

If it is confirmed as a Lisfranc his season will be over. But what is for certain is he won’t be part of Slater’s side for the series decider in just over a week.

If a midfoot sprain is confirmed, the best-case scenario would see the Knights star sidelined for two to six weeks.

Reece Walsh will likely replace Kalyn Ponga in the State of Origin decider. (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)

But if it is as feared and scans reveal it is a high-grade injury, the 27-year-old would require surgery and would miss the remainder of the NRL season – a massive blow to the Knights’ slim chances of playing finals footy in 2025.

It comes after the fullback suffered a Lisfranc injury last season on his opposite foot, which required surgery and saw him miss 11 weeks of football.

Kalyn Ponga injury opens door for Reece Walsh Origin recall

Ponga’s injury has opened the door for Reece Walsh to earn an Origin call-up.

Walsh will line up against the Warriors on Saturday afternoon and a strong display will all but certainly see him recalled by Slater.

While Dolphins star Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow is another fullback option for Slater, but that move appears less likely.

Walsh has played five Origin games and if not being out with a knee injury early in the season, many believe he would have been Slater’s preferred No.1.

Walsh’s knee is still far from right with the fullback seen limping on several occasions during the Broncos’ 34-28 comeback win over Cronulla last week.

However, the 22-year-old says it is getting better each week.

“It’s good, I was trying to hide it (laughs),” Walsh said of his knee.

“It’s a work in progress. I am still trying to get used to the feel of it.”

NSW will have a home-ground advantage for the series decider, which will take place at Sydney’s Accor Stadium on Wednesday, July 9.

Originally published as Kalyn Ponga ruled out of State of Origin decider as Reece Walsh set to be recalled