Corey Parker has declared Kalyn Ponga should reclaim the Queensland Maroons’ fullback jersey in the 2024 State of Origin series.
Brisbane Broncos' dynamo Reece Walsh is the current incumbent fullback for the Maroons after Ponga ruled himself out last series after a number of concussions to focus on the Newcastle Knights.
While Walsh is a hotly tipped contender, Parker believes, based on Ponga’s form at the backend of last year, the Knights’ captain and 2024 Dally M winner should reclaim the number 1 jersey.
“One of my bold statements to start the season was Kalyn Ponga would regain his number 1 jersey and so I’ll stand by that. Reece Walsh is an unbelievable talent, but Ponga is something else,” Parker said on Breakfast with Pat and Heals.
“Go back to last year, he’s a Dally M winner. Go back to last year, 10-game winning streak all based off Ponga. Go back to last night, first 10 minutes he was electric… go back to his performances for Queensland in all sorts of positions.
“Billy’s (Slater) got some decisions to make… You could have both in your team, see how they go with that.”
One option that would allow both Ponga and Walsh to start for Queensland would be to not select stalwart Cameron Munster, after the Melbourne Storm superstar started the year with a serious groin injury that has hampered his return to play.
However, Parker flatly rejected the idea of dropping Munster.
“I don’t need to see better form,” Parker said.
“Based on the fact Munster’s been there done it before. Obviously, you want some form, and you want some match fitness coming into it.
“But if Munster’s not in the team, a young guy by the name of Ezra Mam would look alright in a Maroon jersey.”
State of Origin 1 will be played in Sydney on the 5th of June.