Walters eyes Ponga as replacement for the great one
KEVIN Walters says Newcastle whiz-kid Kalyn Ponga could be handed a golden ticket into the Queensland State of Origin side in the wake of Cameron Smith’s retirement.
With Smith and Johnathan Thurston both hanging up their representative boots, it leaves a worrying void in the Maroons team.
Other than the obvious, it means they don’t have a fulltime club goal kicker in the side, whereas less than 12 months ago they had two.
And that’s where 20-yearold Ponga could step in.
The young Knights magician is his club’s first-choice kicker.
He was already an chance of earning his debut Queensland jersey this year, having led the NRL’s Dally M vote count after nine rounds with some stunning form for his club.
But with the Maroons needing a goal kicker, Queensland coach Walters admits Ponga’s selection chances have been enhanced.
“At the start of the year we identified him with our Emerging programs, but his progression has been so good over the opening 10 rounds,” Walters said yesterday.
“And he is a goal kicker, so that certainly does put him into the frame if that’s the line we go along.
“Cameron Smith had about 15 games of first grade before his first Origin game, Kalyn has had 10 (plus nine at former club North Queensland).
“He’s one of those kids who’s got a really mature mind and I dare say he will handle the step up in class. He’s one of those really gifted players.”
The Maroons suddenly find themselves with a dearth of quality goal kickers.
Dane Gagai and Val Holmes have both taken the tee during NRL games but are not currently their clubs’ first choice.
Walters is aware it’s a hole he needs to fill, and quickly.
“I’m not sure who (will kick for us),” he said.
“Dane Gagai used to practise a bit last year, if he’s in the side maybe he could.
“Normally you’ve got at least one specialist kicker from one of the clubs in your side, but being so blessed over the years with Thurston and Smith, I don’t remember anyone else taking a shot at goal for Queensland in the last 15 years.
“It’s an area we’ve got to look at. It’s so important, goal kicking.
“We see a lot of the kickers up around 80 per cent in games, which is a huge thing, particularly in Origin.”
With Origin I to be played on June 6, Queensland and NSW will announce their squads on May 28.