'S***, f***': The Moment Stunned Ponga Learned Crushing Origin News

"S***... f***."

Kalyn Ponga, the hopeful Maroons player, was visibly taken aback when he discovered that halfback Tom Dearden would not be participating in the upcoming series opener.

There remains uncertainty regarding whether it will be Ponga or Reece Walsh donning the fullback jersey for Queensland. However, what is confirmed is Dearden's absence at Accor Stadium, as the Cowboys announced that a significant ankle injury will keep him out for six to eight weeks.

"That's pretty bad," Ponga remarked after hearing the news.

"I feel for Tommy. He's been playing good footy. I know how hard he works, how much he loves his footy, how much he loves Queensland, he's going to be shattered. I think Queensland's going to be shattered."

Ponga stressed the importance of focusing on his own performance in the coming week. "Obviously I want to play good footy next week. My focus is getting that right and just see what happens after that."