By Nick Wright
Even with the threat of his career ending before he had a chance to show the rugby league world his true potential, Kalyn Ponga never doubted his ability to one day announce his State of Origin comeback.
“It was the reality for a bit there,” the Maroons star says of the time when his battles with concussions left him facing retirement.
“[But] I’ve never really doubted myself, I always wanted to be back in this arena, and I’m never going to close the door to it.”
Kalyn Ponga will return to the Maroons’ fold for the first time since 2022.Credit: Getty
Queensland recalled Ponga on Monday as coach Billy Slater made key changes to the Maroons side for the State of Origin series decider on July 17.
It is a remarkable turnaround for the Newcastle livewire after he was forced to withdraw from the 2023 series as the enormity of his plight with concussions sunk in.
Ponga missed the final six weeks of the 2022 season – the same year he inspired Queensland’s series-deciding triumph – and flew to Canada to seek specialist advice last year after suffering his fourth concussion in 10 months.
But the 26-year-old returned with a point to prove, winning the Dally M Medal and igniting the Knights’ shock charge to the finals in a 10-game winning streak.
Foot surgery also nearly ended any hopes of entering the Origin furnace this year, but his timely return on Sunday was enough to seal his fate.
“I think when you do go through a really low point, everything’s pretty good after that. Definitely the way I finished last year I was extremely grateful, and it sort of gave me that [insight into] ... what it takes to be at the top or the best version of myself,” Ponga said.
“It was a difficult period for me, that middle of last year. I wasn’t ready mentally and physically for this arena, I was just coming back from everything that was going on with me personally.
“The decision that was made by Billy [Slater] and myself was the best for me.”
Ponga will step into the same utility role he took in his 2018 Maroons’ debut, in which he played 52 minutes in the forwards.
Under former Maroons coach Kevin Walters, Ponga ran for 108 metres while making 29 tackles and producing a near game-winning line break, only denied from scoring by a desperate James Tedesco tackle. Whether Slater uses him the same way is unclear.
However, the chance to link up with fullback Reece Walsh has him salivating at their combination’s potential, as the Maroons seek to counter the size and power of NSW with the star duo’s speed and attacking instincts.
“I’ve been thinking about that for a little while. I’ve got visions of [Walsh] going down the sideline and passing back into me,” Ponga said.
“I haven’t really spoken to Billy about it yet, no doubt we’ll plan it out, and I’ll go into the game clear and knowing what my role is. Kevvie didn’t really give me too much, he just said ‘go out there and play’, so no doubt it’ll be pretty similar messaging.”