Knights ace Kalyn Ponga says he was “disappointed” with his State of Origin axing but “respected” Billy Slater’s decision to opt for boom Broncos youngster Reece Walsh.
Ponga fielded questions about his Queensland dumping following Newcastle’s 28-18 win against Manly at McDonald Jones Stadium on Sunday.
The Newcastle co-captain switched from five-eighth to fullback and was dangerous, setting up a try, tallying 169 run metres and generally being highly involved in attack.
He was available for the Knights after Slater, in his second year as Queensland coach, picked Walsh at fullback for Wednesday night’s State of Origin opener at Adelaide Oval.
READ MORE: ‘Joke’: British star punished for Roland-Garros outburst
READ MORE: Seibold weighs in after Gus rips ‘terrible’ sin-bin call
READ MORE: Raiders forward speaks after frightening collapse
“I was disappointed early. I’ve got good support around me and … as soon as I knew what the decision was from Billy I accepted it, respected it and moved on,” Ponga said of being cut from the Queensland side.
“I knew I had a job to do this week for the Knights and nothing I did out there tonight was for Queensland … It was for the Knights.
“I want to play games, I need to play a lot more footy and just be on the field.
“We had a good conversation, I respect Billy’s decision and I support Queensland and I’m excited to see the boys go out there on Wednesday.
Stream the NRL premiership 2023 live and free on 9Now
“But we had a good chat and I respected his decision.”
Slater admitted that Ponga’s concerning history with head knocks, which led to him visiting a concussion expert in Canada this year, was a factor in his Origin omission.
Ponga flew to Vancouver for advanced neurological testing after copping his fourth concussion in 10 months in round two.
The 25-year-old sustained more knocks to the head in Sunday’s game against Manly but was not ordered off for a head injury assessment.
“I just have to play games. I can’t worry about that unfortunately,” Ponga said.
Watch the 2023 State of Origin series LIVE and exclusive on Channel 9 and 9Now
“But fortunately today I had a couple and (they had) no effect and I felt fine.
Knights split Sea Eagles defence
“It’s a part of footy and a part of my game.
“I’ve had a couple but I can’t worry about them … I just have to sort of move on and do my role and just try and play good footy.”
Walsh will make his Origin debut on Wednesday night, taking Ponga’s place despite the Newcastle superstar scoring the match-winning try in the 2022 decider.
“I just want to win games here; it’s honestly what I want to do,” Ponga said.
“I need to play footy … I’ve had a couple of tough months, to be honest, with the head knocks and everything that has been going on. So for me I just want to play good footy here. That’s the priority and off the back of that hopefully things will come, but I can’t worry about that.”
For a daily dose of the best of the breaking news and exclusive content from Wide World of Sports, subscribe to our newsletter by clicking here!
State of Origin 2023: Every player named by Queensland Maroons
For all the latest Sports News Click Here
For the latest news and updates, follow us on Google News.
