LeagueNews.co | Jason Patrick
Queensland coach Billy Slater is facing a massive headache ahead of Game 1 of the State of Origin series due to Reece Walsh's latest injury and Kalyn Ponga's poor form.
Walsh sustained a PCL injury and is expected to be sidelined for 4-6 weeks, ruling him out of the Origin series opener.
Slater wants his squad to be fit for the training camp before the series, making Walsh's absence a concern.
Even before his injury, Walsh's form this season had been inconsistent.
Ponga is now the most likely candidate to replace Walsh at fullback, but his poor form is also worrying for the Maroons.
Slater had previously backed Walsh, who was outstanding in the 2023 Origin series but had a quiet performance last year.
Ponga, the Newcastle skipper, has been struggling and is not playing at the level that won him the 2023 Dally M Medal.
Slater may be forced into an unwanted move with Ponga due to Walsh's injury, adding to the pressure he faces ahead of the Origin series.
Quotes:
"Reece has sustained a PCL injury and will undergo a scan early this week on return to Australia to understand the full extent." - Broncos statement
"With the Origin series kicking off at Suncorp Stadium in just over a month's time on May 28, it would almost certainly mean the incumbent Maroons' fullback would not be able to feature for Brisbane again before Slater picks his Maroons side." - au.news.yahoo.com