LeagueNews.co | Jason Patrick
Rugby League legend Phil Gould has thrown his hat in the ring, calling on Queensland Maroons coach Billy Slater to make a tough decision regarding the selection of Kalyn Ponga for State of Origin.
In a move that could ruffle some feathers, Gould believes that Ponga should be included in the team even if it means leaving Ben Hunt out in the cold.
Slater, facing a dilemma with both Ponga and Reece Walsh in red-hot form for their club teams, must decide who will wear the coveted No.1 jersey for the Maroons.
Whether to stick with Walsh, who shone in the grand final last year, or bring back Ponga, who claimed the prestigious Dally M award in 2023, is the burning question on Slater's mind.
With talk of potentially fitting both star fullbacks into the same squad, Slater has a lot to think about ahead of the State of Origin series kickoff on June 5.
Ponga, a key player in Queensland's 2022 victory, missed last year's series due to concussion concerns.
In his absence, Walsh stepped up and delivered impressive performances, making a strong case for his selection.
While the idea of squeezing both Ponga and Walsh into the final 17 may seem like a stretch, Gould believes sacrifices need to be made.
With Harry Grant cementing his spot as a hooker, the spotlight falls on Hunt to potentially make way for Ponga.
It's a tough call, but according to Gould, sometimes tough decisions need to be made in the world of Rugby League.