'Qld mind games': Fans sceptical over Kalyn Ponga Origin news
The rugby league world has reacted with scepticism over news Queensland star Kalyn Ponga has been ruled out of the Origin decider.
Ponga has been ruled out for two weeks by his NRL club, following scans on an injury he picked up in Game II.
Ponga was a late scratching from Newcastle's win over Brisbane on Saturday after he sustained a calf injury playing in the Maroons' big loss in Perth.
And the Knights on Sunday revealed that scans confirmed a calf strain.
"Ponga picked up the injury during State of Origin week and sat out the Knights' 26-12 win over Brisbane as a result," the Knights said in a statement.
"He is expected to miss the next two weeks."
Game three will be played at ANZ Stadium in 10 days' time, however, it remains to be seen whether Ponga will attempt to speed his recovery in time to play.
His possible absence will be a major blow for a Maroons side still reeling from their belting by the Blues in Perth, which set up a blockbuster decider.
However, many fans fully expect Ponga to be named in Kevin Walters' Maroons side and to play in Sydney's decider.
If you actually believe Ponga is out until the final team sheet comes out on game day & he’s not on it you’re an idiot! Just another stupid @QLDmaroons yearly lies that every1 can see through!
— Karl (@KP_096) June 30, 2019
Ponga will play origin 3. More QLD mind games.
— Brad Stansfield (@Topdogs2009) June 30, 2019
Knights release said Ponga is out two weeks. State of origin III is in 10 days. Are we writing him off too early? Wouldn’t surprise me to see Walters name him at fullback tomorrow morning. #NRL #stateoforigin
— Mark Gottlieb (@MarkGottliebFOX) June 30, 2019
Ponga rule out of Origin , 100 percent he will be there
— ⚒ Joe ⚒ (@JDBARR1973) June 30, 2019
I fully expect Ponga to make a Herculean-like recovery, just in time for Origin 3.
— Stephen O'Brien (@RealSJOBrien) June 30, 2019
If you believe it, Kalyn Ponga ruled out of Origin decider with calf injury. There are 10 days for him to prove his fitness if he’s named by Maroons. #NRL https://t.co/89riAZY5Ul
— Nothing But Knights (@NothingButNK) June 30, 2019
Ponga will play, it’s a smokescreen
— Son of Glory (@mattmoon08) June 30, 2019
If it’s two weeks, surely Ponga is a chance of playing origin 3? #origin
— Jaidyn Ganino (@jaidynganino) June 30, 2019
Ponga was arguably Queensland's best in their game-one triumph but was quiet in their game-two defeat.
Maroons centre Michael Morgan is expected to lead a number of candidates to play at fullback should Ponga be ruled out.
Shifting Cameron Munster from five-eighth is another option, as is promoting utility Moses Mbye from the bench.
Brisbane's Anthony Milford, who returned to fullback in Saturday's loss to Newcastle, is another who can be brought in from outside the squad.
The Maroons name their team on Monday.
Front-rower Jarrod Wallace is widely tipped to be axed and be replaced by Brisbane's Joe Ofahengaue after his return from injury this week.
Speaking before the Ponga news, skipper Daly Cherry-Evans said he is licking his lips at the prospect of bouncing back and lifting the shield in enemy territory.
"I'm certainly super excited about what lies ahead for Queensland. We're playing in the decider, it's bloody exciting," Cherry-Evans said.
"I can't wait for it."
History shows Cherry-Evans is right to be excited about the Maroons' chances.
There have been six Origin game three deciders played in Sydney with the Maroons winning three and NSW two.
An 18-all draw in 2002 was as good as a victory for the Queensland, who walked away with the Origin shield by virtue of being the defending champions.
LIKELY QUEENSLAND TEAM: Kalyn Ponga, Corey Oates, Michael Morgan, Will Chambers, Dane Gagai, Cameron Munster, Daly Cherry-Evans (capt), Dylan Napa, Ben Hunt, Josh Papalii, Felise Kaufusi, Matt Gillett, Josh McGuire. Bench: Moses Mbye, Joe Ofahengaue, David Fifita, Tim Glasby.
With AAP
