Billy Slater will trudge off into State of Origin retirement knowing his beloved Queensland No.1 jersey is in safe hands when he passes the baton to heir apparent Kalyn Ponga.
Slater admits he was lost for words as he marvelled at the Newcastle phenom’s blistering performance during his Maroons debut in Sunday’s 18-14 loss to NSW at ANZ Stadium.
While the Maroons suffered just their second series loss in 14 years, the emergence of Ponga has left everyone assured Queensland’s future remains bright.
With Slater returning from a hamstring injury, the young fullback was picked on the bench and asked to perform as a roving utility.
It is universally accepted he will inherit the custodian’s role next year and he gave the world a taste of his potential after coming on midway through the first half.
Even defending in the front line – something the Knights fullback has rarely done during his NRL career – he rarely missed a beat.
Standing on Queensland’s left edge, he made 26 tackles. By comparison, he has made just 81 tackles during his 24 NRL appearances.
He also created constant headaches for the Blues defence and in the second half looked to be sailing to the tryline for the match-winner but was cut down by James Tedesco.
“Brilliant. I’m lost for words commenting on (Ponga’s) performance tonight,” Slater told AAP
“He got thrown into a foreign position in the middle of the field and his defence was as good as anyone’s.
“He just wanted to get involved. He got the footy, he ran the footy.
“He just has a great attitude to go along with his talent. He’s got a big future. We all know that don’t we. That was certainly reassured tonight.”
Slater will draw a curtain on his 15-year Origin career after next month’s dead rubber at Suncorp Stadium.
Asked about his desire to go out an Origin winner, the 35-year-old said there was no room for sentimentality.
“I’ve never been one for it to be about me,” Slater said.
“The possibility of going up there and getting reward for the effort we’ve put in this year is more of a driving factor rather than doing it for me.”
Zedman
Roar Rookie
Good comment, luckily he seems pretty grounded so shouldn’t be taking any notice of the media. He was honest about comparing SOO with the Nrl, comes across as a good bloke.
Emcie
Roar Guru
I don't think it matters what players they pick if the gameplan is found wanting. It wont matter who they pick if players are just thrown in and expected to perform. I've got more concerns with Kevies coaching then Hunts performance, many of us were predicting pretty much that exact game from Hunt in that role.
Nat
Roar Guru
I think the #7 is the only position that needs work. Qld do have Morgan/Taylor (maybe DCE) or even Norman and Milford if they find form.
Emcie
Roar Guru
He's getting the Hayne treatment - praise everything he touched and gloss over his faults. Not a commentary on his ability as a player, just how the media is treating him
Renegade
Roar Guru
Yet Slater almost carried QLD to victory last night.... only to be let down by his halfback.
Greg
Guest
I can't understand the hype around Ponga's performance last night, most of the player ratings by various outlets have him as QLD's best player last night. Apart from making a linebreak he really didn't do anything except give away a penalty right before the Blues scored. He made a few tackles but also missed 5 which was the equal highest in the game. Definite star of the future but I think QLD would have been better off having another forward out there in his place.
Paul
Roar Guru
There's no doubt Ponga had an outstanding debut game, but it's a big call to say "Queensland's future remains bright". He is only one player, albeit a potentially exceptional one and he needs other quality players around him as Slater has had in the past. Inglis is probably a series or two away from retirement and the halves and hooker positions still seem iffy. If Qld get those pieces right, then their future looks very bright for sure.