Ponga forced to swallow daunting Origin reality

And despite being cleared to finish the match, it was clear the Queensland coach was not going to risk playing Ponga, who also had limited playing for Newcastle, telling reporters it was “the right decision for everyone involved”.

There has been a suggestion that Ponga has missed out on a place in the team because of his positional switch from fullback to five-eighth, and with the risk of suffering further concussions when defending in the line at No.6, there might be a temptation to return to fullback in order to shield him in defence and open up his running game. The Knights have done exactly that for Sunday’s clash against the Knights.

Another layer to the debate over Ponga’s best position is the Cameron Munster factor, with the Storm five-eighth the first name on Queensland’s team sheet. While that’s the case, the Newcastle superstar is unlikely to force his way into the Maroons side at No.6.

Watch the 2023 State of Origin series LIVE and exclusive on Channel 9 and 9Now.

Lockyer is more qualified than most when discussing a positional switch from the back to five-eighth, with the Maroons great making the change midway through his career.

Lockyer usually played second receiver in attack for Brisbane anyway but the Broncos decided to make the switch formal in the 2004 season. He was forced to make adjustments in defence, eventually leading to Tonie Carroll being stationed inside him as a protector.

Ponga has had no such protector with the Knights, however, Lockyer believes staying in the No.6 position is the best way forward for the star player and his future representative aspirations.

Walsh wonder ball sparks Broncos

“It’s difficult, I remember when I went from fullback to five eighth I knew what was at risk was my representatives jerseys,” Lockyer told Wide World of Sports’ QLDER.

“When I went to five-eighth I had problems to start but I never went back to fullback, I stayed there.

“I don’t think Kalyn will go back to fullback, definitely in clubland, he just needs to keep playing well in the six jersey at Newcastle to give him the best chance to get back into the squad.

“Things can change very quickly from game one to game two, whether it’s injuries or suspensions, you just need to keep your form up.”

Lockyer never skipped a beat on the representative scene despite his positional switch. He took over at five-eighth in Origin II of the 2004 series and went on to win a fourth grand final with the Broncos, whilst playing a further five State of Origin series with Queensland. He also won a second Golden Boot after moving into the front line.

Lockyer also captained the 2003 Kangaroos from fullback before moving to five-eighth for the Tri Nations tournament the following year.

Walsh’s selection by the Maroons has given credence to the notion that Slater has picked a fullback that plays a similar style to the way he played. Walsh’s form this year was always going to be difficult to ignore with Brisbane’s fortunes rising, said Lockyer, who sees similarities between Ponga and Walsh.

“I would say Kalyn is similar too; they both just want to attack,” he added. “They see something and they have a crack at it. They both like to take risks and Billy was the same at that point of his career.

“Particularly Reece, this brilliant athlete that can do things other players couldn’t. But they’re all willing to take risks but as you get older you become more calculated. Reece is going to cause problems for the Blues’ defence, it’s just playing with discipline.”

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