Kalyn Ponga has been ruled out of State of Origin this year in another blow to the Maroons’ backline stocks.
It had been widely reported that, despite being named in Wayne Bennett’s initial 15-man Origin squad announcement, Ponga would miss the 2020 series, and the reports were today confirmed.
Instead of running out for Queensland, the Newcastle fullback will undergo shoulder surgery next week to repair a torn labrum, and he’ll be fit for Round 1 of the 2021 NRL season.
“Based on advice from Kalyn’s treating surgeon, and our assessment, Kalyn should be medically ruled out of this year’s Origin series,” Maroons doctor Matt Hislop said.
“This decision is in both his and the team’s best interests, and will give him the best opportunity to recover and be ready for next year’s season.”
“I’m devastated to miss out on Origin,” Ponga said.
“I love pulling on the Maroons jersey. It is a privilege to play in the NRL and a privilege to be selected to represent Queensland.
“As an athlete and competitor, I pride myself on performing no matter how my body feels but I also accept that both the Maroons and Knights medical staff have my best interest at heart in making this decision.
“I wish the Queensland camp all the best for a successful 2020 series. I’ll be cheering loudly from home and will be working tirelessly to earn my place back in the squad next year.”
Ponga’s absence only adds to the litany of injuries in the Maroons camp. Kyle Feldt, David Fifita and Michael Morgan had all already been ruled out of the entire series before the Knights star joined them in the casualty ward.
With Ponga out injured and Valentine Holmes suspended for Game 1, it now seems certain that Gold Coast Titan AJ Brimson will make his Origin debut wearing the no.1 jersey for the Maroons in the series opener.
Tom of Brisbane
Guest
Issy Folau called up from Super League Alfie style
matth
Roar Guru
Allen on one wing and AJ Brimson at the back. Gagai at centre, then I’m stuck.
Tony
Roar Guru
I was selfishly looking forward to his last line of defence.
DP Schaefer
Roar Rookie
haha That's only because you want the Blues to smash them by even more.. :laughing:
Tony
Roar Guru
I'd love to see Boyd have a run
DP Schaefer
Roar Rookie
Smith, Inglis and Boyd all ready for the call up, no worries. Hodges was training too before Uncle Wayne axed him and he got the pips..
The Sporacle
Roar Rookie
I'm thinking maybe Minto to the back and shift Darius to the wing to get that left edge humming :stoked:
Adam
Roar Guru
Smith to play fullback?
Tim Carter
Roar Pro
What about a G.I. recall?
Graham White
Guest
If Allan is good enough to play fullback for the maroons, it would help them enormously to have Brimson at centre
The Sporacle
Roar Rookie
Is it just me or does it look like this is a perfect scenario for a Darius recall, much like the famed call to Langer. Just saying stranger things have happened ????
Chris.P.Bacon
Guest
Agree on all counts Dutski. Brimson was on fire at the end of the season and will be someone the mighty Blues need to watch. He certainly is a talent. :thumbup:
Ben Lewis
Roar Pro
3-0.
Big Mig
Roar Rookie
If the Rabbitohs go deep into the final, Bennett should blood Cory Allan for the Maroons. Since replacing Mitchell at FB he has been in stellar form and has shown a great ability to adapt quickly. this skill would be welcome to a Qld team which will need some fast adaptation. Ponga lacked consistency, form and under-achieved this year, so no real loss.
Tony
Roar Guru
Another nail in the QLD coffin. There'll be still more pulling out of Origin over the next few weeks. Last man standing.
Graham White
Guest
I don't think the maroons lose much at fullback since we have brimson. I think we lose a lot at centre since we don't have a weakness there which brimson could fill (since he has experience at hb defending in the line)
Muck
Guest
No Ponga , oh well , looks like Queensland might only win 2 games this series ....
TJ
Guest
Not surprising but the right decision has been made. The form Brimson is in at the moment I'm not even sure QLD will miss Ponga all that much.
Dutski
Roar Guru
Hope it goes well for him. Can't wait to see how Brimson goes at the higher level, he's a talent for sure.
Forty Twenty
Roar Rookie
Dale Shearer is waiting by the phone.