LeagueNews.co | Jess Malloy
Reece Walsh is poised for a pivotal opportunity with Queensland's State of Origin team following a significant setback for Kalyn Ponga.
Ponga sustained a foot injury during the Knights' recent match against Canberra, leaving the field limping with 20 minutes remaining.
After the game, he was seen in a moon boot, with Knights coach Adam O'Brien announcing plans for scans.
Although O'Brien noted that the injury is not on the same foot that caused Ponga to miss two months last year due to a Lisfranc injury, there is concern it could be a similar issue on the opposite foot.
"Kalyn's tough.
He doesn't come off for much.
You have to drag him off the field with a tow truck normally, so it's probably not a good sign," O'Brien remarked.
Following the incident, Ponga was seen being comforted by his mother, leading Slater to express concern: "Mum's there.
So, that's probably not a good sign." Ponga has been contending with an ankle injury and had noticeable strapping on his knee during the match.
With the State of Origin decider approaching in less than two weeks, Slater may need to identify a replacement fullback for the game in Sydney.
Earlier in the day, Broncos coach Michael Maguire asserted that Walsh has done enough to merit a recall, after the fullback missed six weeks due to a knee injury.
However, his performance in the two games since his return has shown he is still hampered by the effects of the injury.