Maroons blow: Kalyn Ponga ruled OUT of Origin 2

agreed, especially Grant. I don' get why, in such a high speed, high intensity game, anyone would choose players who are not 100% fit? Boh teasm have done the same thing over the years and I cant' remember on occasion where it paid off with a win.

I think the biggest shame is how annoyed the Knights and Ponga seem to be that Qld called him onto camp when in the end it only disrupted his rehab. And potentially the biggest shame is the rumours that Ponga is still off Green and doesn't want to play for him. Rumours, sure, but there's does seem to be tension. Queensland of old would have never let this stuff disrupt their preparation.

But apart from that, what have the Romans ever done for us?

FFS He was the Knights best player last year. The club thought so. Importantly, the players thought so too. In an average club, he starred.

Latrell is older and slower too! you are right on the bigger though! :laughing:

Yes maybe but he hasn't done anything yet on SOO level to be considered a "blow" on the selections. It's not like he was the one who won them the SOO last year that he all of a sudden is the missing piece to why Blues won. AJ should have more claim as the custodian over Holmes and Ponga.

Yes, done little. Fell free to point to 3 games in those 17 where he was the dominant player He has become lazy and entitled

But you now agree he’s been very good in his NRL career? I don’t see him as a certainty for the QLD fullback spot either. But if Ponga and AJ Brimson are both in their best form Ponga’s the better player.

Yes awards...many players have won them as well and not all of them are great at SOO. His tries and goals jeez there a lot of players that have similar or better stats than that. He is just a flashy player in patches and I don't think he has proven to anyone yet that he is a key player to win games. Once he is figured out, that's it, his gone. All I'm saying is, he ain't no "blow" for QLD. AJ Brimson did a good job for QLD but still isn't considered because I don't know why...perhaps he isn't hyped as much?

I'll watch it even if it is another blowout. A State of Origin blowout is worth watching unlike the boring NRL blowouts. No Ponga, no cry.

Everyone is worrying about the backs, but that's the least of QLDs problems. If they can't get a strong a platform from their forwards whoever is selected in the backline won't matter much. They need Welch fit and firing and hopefuly Papali'i comes back roaring. Then Fifita can be unleashed properly. The QLD bench needs to make serious impact too. The QLDers need some fire and if they bring it they definitely have it on them to win it at Suncorp.

Really? Signed the extension in the start of June 2020. The season restarted late May. Played 17 games after that and won the club's best player award and player's player award. He's only been able to play 5 games this year. But yeah...being voted as best player at his club after signing his extension....that's "done little since"

Ponga to Union will happen that’s for sure.. when is the question. My guess is the end of next season in time for the 2023 RWC. I know he’s said All Blacks but wouldn’t be surprised if he ends up in Wallaby characters

I know that Turbo has had a terrible run with injury these past few years but Ponga cant be too far behind him in missed games. At least it seems he’s out more than in

Chambers would struggle. He was getting carved up by Latrell in Origin and finals football 2-3 years ago. He was embarrassed. Latrell is bigger and faster, Will is older and slower.

Agree This kid has the potential to be the best QLD player since Wally. A very big call, I know, but he has impressed me more than any kid I've seen in my 40 odd years of watching Rugby league.

Has to be Walsh. 1. He’s fit. 2. He’s in form; and that allows Holmes to play in his best role on the wing. 3. There is no pressure. Why? We are expected to lose, and he’ll be forgiven if he underperforms. I see only upside for him if he has even an average game. Qld don’t have strike weapons. He is one, so he has to be picked. We can’t die wondering. Going with the conservative approach will not win the game. If we are gonna go down, let’s go down fighting with a player who might do something incredible.

As much as I'd like to see a QLD victory Paul, i wouldn't select Ponga. Munster and Grant were both well short on form and I'd say fitness in game 1.

It wouldn't have been a wise move picking Ponga for Origin after so many weeks out.

And when Brimson pulls out ?