Why Ponga selection will tip Origin decider in Queensland’s favour

SEN’s Cameron Smith believes the selection of Kalyn Ponga for the Queensland Maroons will play a huge factor in determining a winner in State of Origin Game III.

Ponga last played for Queensland in the 2022 series decider at Suncorp Stadium and put together a man of the match performance as the Maroons regained the Origin shield in front of their home fans.

Smith, who played a record 42 games for Queensland, is adamant that NSW don’t have a plan to counter Ponga who will come off the bench in an unknown role.

“If you look at Billy Slater’s outside back lineup for Game I, he has gone with that again,” Smith told SENQ.

“You have to remember that Kalyn Ponga made his debut for Queensland off the bench (in 2018).

“Ponga played in the middle and he was unbelievable in his first match.

“In fact, if you think back to Game III of 2022 which was a decider in Brisbane, Kalyn Ponga was the best player on the field.

“He was the big difference in the result between the two footy sides with the effort he put in that night.

“He has had an extended layoff. He’s only played one game in 12 weeks. Ponga had some unbelievable touches (and) he was attacking the Canberra Raiders try line.

“He is the type of player who has the ball in his hands and you are on egg shells as a defender and he puts fear into you.”

Billy Slater has come under fire for his forward rotation selections given the manner in which the Maroons forward pack was bullied in Game II.

The snubbing of David Fifita has also raised a few eyebrows and Smith believes Queensland will be under huge pressure if a forward was to get injured early in Game III.

“I think Billy Slater was (undecided) about picking another bench forward,” Smith added.

“Slater has gone for Ponga as an x-factor and game breaker.

“If Queensland loses a couple of big men, we’ll be in strife.

“If a bigger body like a Lindsay Collins or Pat Carrigan goes down, that’s when Queensland will be in a bit of trouble because they are lacking a bit of size.”

The Game III decider will be held at Suncorp Stadium on July 17.