Billy Slater makes shock call to axe Kalyn Ponga and Dane Gagai as Reece Walsh earns Maroons debut

Queensland’s proud loyalty appears dead after selectors swung the axe on Monday - and it means the debut of an exciting talent on the Origin stage.

BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA - MAY 22: Queensland State of Origin Coach Billy Slater speaks regarding the announcement of the Queensland team for game one of the series during a Queensland Maroons State of Origin Media Opportunity at Suncorp Stadium on May 22, 2023 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)

Queensland coach Billy Slater says he’s “comfortable” with a shock decision to axe Kalyn Ponga from the Maroons despite claiming the man-of-the-match award in last year’s series decider.

The Knights fullback played all three games in 2022 but has lost his spot to Broncos young gun Reece Walsh, who has claimed the No.1 jersey after a cracking start to the season.

Slater conceded Ponga’s health was a consideration after the Knights star came off for an HIA on Saturday afternoon that he ultimately passed.

It was a major scare given he was sent to Canada earlier in the year to meet with specialists after he suffered his fourth concussion in 10 months.

“I made this decision and I am really comfortable knowing it is the right decision,” Slater said of axing Ponga.

“We take everything into consideration.

Kalyn Ponga was forced off for a head injury assessment on the weekend but returned to the field and scored a try. Picture: Mark Kolbe/Getty Images

“There was no more influential player towards the outcome of last year‘s series than Kalyn Ponga.

“I‘m really comfortable that this is the right decision for everyone involved.

“It is the right decision for the team and Reece Walsh has been playing fantastic football.

“I have watched him closer than most people and he is in a really good place.”

Ponga’s form has been mixed to start the year, but the same can’t be said about Walsh, who has been one of Brisbane’s best in 2023 with a league-high 15 try assists in just 11 games.

Queensland selectors have rewarded Reece Walsh for his outstanding start to the season. Picture; Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images

Slater said he spoke to Ponga as well as Kurt Capewell, Dane Gaga and Xavier Coates who were all left out of the squad.

“I spoke to Kalyn last night and I had to make some really tough phone calls,” Slater said.

“There were some good phone calls and some really tough ones.

“Speaking to Kalyn, speaking to ‘Gags’, Kurt Capwell and Xavier Coates.

“They are not easy decisions to make but they are made for the right reasons.

“They were very understanding. Those four guys are Queenslanders through and through.

“By the end of the conversations they were all really supportive of this team. They all want success for this team and they are willing to support the team in any way. They are great men and great Queenslanders

Walsh, Queensland’s only rookie for game one, was part of last year’s squad and was set to debut in 2021 only to be ruled out due to a hamstring strain.

He will form one of the most electrifying backlines ever assembled that features Dolphins fullback Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow after the speedster squeezed out veteran Dane Gagai.

The 22-game veteran has been one of Queensland’s most loyal servants either on the wing or at right centre, with the Maroons usually staying loyal to players like Gagai who have done so much for the state.

Daly Cherry-Evans will captain the side with Storm superstar Cameron Munster partnering him in the halves. The duo will have some new faces playing next to them.

Veteran Kurt Capewell has been overlooked in the back row, while right-edge options Felise Kaufusi and Jeremiah Nanai will both miss the series opener due to suspension.

David Fifita will start in the back row having enjoyed his best start to a season. Picture: Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images

That’s opened the door for Titans star David Fifita to return on the left edge for his first game since the 2021 series, with the back-rower in career-best form this season.

Tom Gilbert will start on the other edge in what shapes as a destructive starting pack that also features Lindsay Collins, Tom Flegler and Patrick Carrigan.

Veteran Ben Hunt has edged Harry Grant for the starting hooker role, with the Storm star set to come off the bench and wreak havoc against tiring forwards as he did in all three games last year.

Maroons squad: Reece Walsh, Selwyn Cobbo, Valentine Holmes, Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, Murray Taulagi, Cameron Munster, Daly Cherry-Evans, Tom Flegler, Ben Hunt, Lindsay Collins, Tom Gilbert, David Fifita, Patrick Carrigan, Harry Grant, Tino Fa’asuamaleaui, Reuben Cotter, Jai Arrow, Tom Dearden (18th man), Christian Welch (19th man)

Originally published as Billy Slater makes shock call to axe Kalyn Ponga and Dane Gagai as Reece Walsh earns Maroons debut