LeagueNews.co | Cooper McEnroe
Queensland Maroons State of Origin coach Billy Slater has praised Kalyn Ponga's outstanding performance against the Dolphins, giving him a perfect score of "ten out of ten." Ponga, who was once considered the long-term fullback for Queensland, has faced competition from Reece Walsh for the number one jumper.
Slater's comments on the Channel Nine Billy Slater Podcast suggest that Ponga is still in contention for a spot in this year's State of Origin series.
Slater was impressed by Ponga's performance, stating on his podcast, "He was so impressive, 10 out of 10 to be honest.
I was there at McDonald Jones Stadium watching Kalyn destroy the Dolphins." Despite Walsh's success in the position last season, Ponga's exceptional performance has put him back on the radar for selection in the upcoming series.
The battle between Ponga and Walsh for the fullback role for Queensland promises to be intense, with both players showcasing their talent and skill on the field.
While Walsh may have been the incumbent fullback, Slater's high praise for Ponga indicates that the decision for Game 1 of the series will be a tough one.
Slater's recognition of Ponga's abilities serves as a reminder of the talent and potential that the young fullback possesses.
Ponga's performance against the Dolphins has once again highlighted his skill and impact on the game, making him a formidable contender for a spot in the Queensland team.
As Queensland prepares for the upcoming State of Origin series, the competition between Ponga and Walsh will be closely watched.
With Slater's endorsement of Ponga's recent performance, the decision on who will wear the number one jumper for Queensland promises to be a closely contested one.
Both players have proven themselves to be worthy contenders, making the selection process a challenging one for the Queensland coaching staff.